Newman Pencils (Tombow?)

[lawrenceg]

Hello all,

 

I know this is a bit off fountain pens but....this is the best place to ask questions, so...

 

I have seen some Newman pencils (on ebay) and they look interesting.

I believe they are made in Japan.

Did they manufacture for sharp pencils, or Tombow?

Does anyone know who made them, when they were made, ever tried one, are they any good, other websites to look at, what do you think?

 

Regards,

Lawrence

[stan]

Hello all,

 

I know this is a bit off fountain pens but....this is the best place to ask questions, so...

 

I have seen some Newman pencils (on ebay) and they look interesting.

I believe they are made in Japan.

Did they manufacture for sharp pencils, or Tombow?

Does anyone know who made them, when they were made, ever tried one, are they any good, other websites to look at, what do you think?

 

Regards,

Lawrence

 

 

Newman was a substantial maker of mechanical pencils in the 1960s and early 1970s. As best I know they began production in the late 1950s. Their production generally mirrored the common styles produced by Pilot and other makers. Sakura, another company from the same era is also often found.

 

From my experience their quality is average, just as I would state about Pilot or Platinum or other maker. They all had mechanical innards that all seemed to work without any unusual problems. From my perspective, they were particularly innovative in their designs or that were they trendsetting. My preferences in design go to some Pilots, a few Sakura, Hoshiesu, and silver Platinums.

 

Am not sure when Tombow arrived on the scene. Nothing about their production from the 1960s or 1970s impresses me.

 

"Sharp pencil" is the term used in Japan for mechanical pencils.

 

A few Newman, have a home in my collection. I will try to repost this response with pictures later in the day.

Edited January 23, 2010 by stan