Tombow Mono Graph .5 Review?

[Algester]

you know ever since I have been frequenting Jetpens for pencils (though honestly I'm not buying from them due to the fact I'm half way around the world so that results into expensive shipping fees)

I have been wanting to buy this Tombow Shaker pencil, in fact I think this is the second shaker pencil we have in the Philippine market ever since our new Tombow distributor started to get Tombow goods

the other shaker pencil we got is the Pilot 2020 shaker... I tried it but when compared to the Tombow that shaker pencil pales in comparison to this.

http://imgur.com/gFtPYN7.jpg

the pencil is thick but not like OS pen thick I can say it's as thick as a Uni Style-Fit Meister in 3 pen refill (which I also got to finally own), and of course since this is Tombow were talking about I got to have the Blue, White and Black stripe version though there are other color options to choose from with metallic? color accents.

other color options

Pink

Lime

Red

Blue

Black

Gold

Silver

Gun Metal

http://imgur.com/kYu0v8S.jpg

I do not know how much the dis-assembly of the pen goes but the lead sleeve can be unscrewed and the eraser unit can be pulled out. From here you can access the lead tube so you can refill the pencil by default it comes with 2 Tombow HB grade leads (I'm just not sure if it is the Tombow-mono WX leads though)

http://imgur.com/DMoEoXQ.jpg

near the tip of the clip the lead point is indicated here showing the .5 as it's smaller tip cousin the .3 is now making rounds in the Japanese Market.

http://imgur.com/mXFyCSh.jpg

At the back of the clip says lead lock yes this is exactly what makes the pen different from the other shaker pencil available here in the Philippines. By pushing the the plastic clip upwards you can lock the shaker weight therefore making it carry friendly

Also by pushing down on the clip also makes it advance the lead so you got options either treat it like an ordinary pencil or use it as a Shaker, though its true purpose is to retract the excess lead you if you advanced to much lead by shaking it.

http://imgur.com/BQccIik.jpg

Well because this is Tombow and it's a Mono no less it also uses Tombow's mostly known signature product ever... their Eraser and I say though the eraser pales in comparison to it's more newer cousin the Tombow Mono Graph One the eraser is still big but I havent been erasing with it cause... we still don't have the eraser refills available <_< >_>

 

Pros:

Tip Weighted.

lead locking mechanism.

the only shaker pencil with a locking mechanism in the Philippines.

4mm lead sleeve so can also be used for drafting work and is solid.

Long and big Eraser but may not be the longest.

 

Cons:

no Lead Grade indicator (if your seriously picky about it)

Plastic (but hey it costs like 4 USD here)

the clip may not be sturdy enough for the rigors of life

I'm still not yet confident with Tombow's WX leads and is only available in HB here no less

 

After this though I'll aim for that Zoom 505 Mechanical Pencil in Blue Yes... yes...

Edited December 16, 2015 by Algester

[shea2812]

I am not much of a fan of twist eraser prefering my little Ain Stein block and yet one of my favourites MP comes with it. Its a Faber Castell Grip Max 1371 with double clutch. Like the hard feel of uncushioned lead layer of graphite being laid on paper with it. A pity that it is no longer being made, I still see some stragglers of its equivalent, Staedtler Integrity still being available online.

[Algester]

Update on this thread I also found out that Muji carries the Zebra Tect2Way which is also another Shaker pencil but the down side is that it is a bit more expensive than the Mono Graph, and has a smaller eraser but both pencils have weight locks so I guess that also good I kinda like the Mono Graph better because the tip actually weighs heavier I'm not sure if the mono Graph's tip is made of solid milled aluminium

[shea2812]

To be honest I am not much of a fan of shaker propel, prefering side click for more efficient advance of 4B lead. Platinum Pocheno is decent enought for a cheap general writer.