Tombow Mono: A Comprehensive Guide
The word “basic” is often used to describe something contrived or uninspiring. But basic also refers to fundamental and timeless staples, like an antique watch or a classic black dress. In stationery, one of the leading brands of basic products for everyday professional and school use is Tombow Mono. It takes inspiration from the Greek word “monos,” which means “the only one” and “unequaled,” and as such, is well-loved for its reliable products. Below, we have compiled a comprehensive guide that breaks down this popular brand’s beloved products.
Table of Contents
- Pencils
- Pencil Leads
- Erasers
- Other Accessories
- Background Story
- Conclusion
Pencils
Tombow Mono pencils, whether starter items for children or indispensable tools for professional artists, contain high-quality break-resistant graphite lead that is encased in thoughtfully and beautifully designed barrels.
Wooden Pencils
Tombow Mono’s wooden pencils are excellent for drafting and sketching. They are available in “adult” versions—the Tombow Mono 100 wooden pencils—as well as “kiddie” versions—the Tombow New Ippo Kids-Friendly Mono-R sets.
Tombow Mono 100 Wooden Pencils
Tombow Mono 100 Wooden Pencils
Tombow Mono 100 Pencil Sketch
Outside, all Mono 100 pencils have a beautiful glossy black paint exterior with shiny bronze embellishments. Inside, each pencil contains a high-density lead core of very fine particles. This product is called Mono 100 because each lead core has 10 billion fine particles per cubic millimeter—or, one hundred 100 million particles. (Side note: Japanese counting for higher numbers is based on four zeroes rather than three zeroes.) While break-resistant, they’re incredibly smooth to write with and easy to erase.
The Mono 100 pencils have 17 lead grades and can be paired with Tombow Mono’s many erasers.
Tombow New Ippo Kids-Friendly Mono-R Pencil Set
Tombow New Ippo Kids-Friendly Mono-R Pencil Set
Tombow New Ippo Kids-Friendly Mono-R Pencil Sketch
These whimsical wooden pencils fall under Tombow’s Mono-R product line. The “R” stands for “regular,” as in regular and essential everyday items. The pencils are available in different sets of colors—green, light green, and light blue; navy, light green, and blue; and pink, light pink, and light blue. Precocious Picassos and Shakespeares will appreciate the pencils’ B and 2B lead grades that are soft to write with and easy to control. Like the Mono 100 pencils, these pencils don’t have an eraser, but pair well with the equally vibrant Mono One holder erasers.
Mechanical Pencils
Mechanical pencils are loved for their thin, precise lead and long-lasting bodies that don’t require sharpening. Tombow Mono offers well-designed and built-to-last mechanical pencils that are a pleasure to use in the classroom and workspace.
Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechnical Pencil
Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechnical Pencil
Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechnical Pencil Features
The Tombow Mono Graph Shaker Mechanical Pencil marries form and function, deservedly winning the 2014 Good Design Award and 2016 Red Dot Design Award. It provides multiple options for retrieving lead. For a traditional approach, use the side clicker on top to retrieve lead. For a more “fun” alternative, simply shake the pencil and watch the lead magically extend. To prevent lead waste, the shaker mechanism can be geared off with a switch on its side. The popular Tombow Mono eraser is installed at the top of the pencil and can be twisted out for use.
This product comes in two lead sizes—0.3 mm and 0.5 mm. It is available in 15 colors—including standard, metal, and neon options. Eraser refills are available. For a demonstration of the shaking mechanism, watch the video here.
Tombow Mono Graph One Mechanical Pencil
Tombow Mono Graph One Mechanical Pencil
Tombow Mono Graph One Mechanical Pencil Features
The Tombow Mono Graph One has a long 50 mm eraser and a comfortable grip made of smooth plastic. Its chubby barrel is a natural fit for those with bigger hands. Retrieving lead is very easy—simply click at the bottom side knock without having to lift a finger from your paper.
This pencil comes in six colors: standard, white, black, pink, green, and blue. The black pencil sports a black eraser that shares the same technology as the Tombow Mono Dust Catch eraser, which prevents eraser dust piles. Eraser refills are available.
| Model | Type | Tip Sizes | Shades | Barrel Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tombow Mono 100 | Wooden | – | 6B, 5B, 4B, 3B, 2B, B, HB, F, H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 5H, 6H, 7H, 8H, and 9H | Black |
| Tombow New Ippo Kids-Friendly – Mono – R | Wooden | – | B, 2B | Green + Light Green + Blue (B or 2B), Navy + Blue + Light Green (B or 2B), Pink + Light Pink + Blue (B) |
| Tombow Mono Graph Shaker | Mechanical | 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm | See lead shades below | Standard, Gold, White, Blue, Red, Black, Neon Blue, Neon Green, Gun Metal, Neon Orange, Neon Pink, Neon Yellow, Silver, Lime, Pink |
| Tombow Mono Graph One | Mechanical | 0.5 mm | See lead shades below | Standard, White, Black, Pink, Green, and Blue |
Pencil Leads
Tombow Mono offers a wide selection of leads in different sizes and grades. Its sleek lead cases aesthetically match Mono’s mechanical pencil barrels and have an innovative “double guide” cap. To open the cases, slide the cap to the right to get one piece of lead and to the left to get multiple pieces of lead.
Tombow Mono Graph Lead
Tombow Mono Graph Lead
Tombow Mono Graph Lead Features
The Tombow Mono Graph Lead product line flaunts lead with a high-performance core that combines sturdiness with darkness. It offers smooth writing, crisp lines, and great break resistance. The leads come in shiny and colorful cases, including Tombow Mono’s standard blue, white, and black case, which contains 20 pieces of lead. They also come in monochromatic color cases, which contain 40 pieces of lead. The leads are available in multiple sizes (0.3 mm and 0.5 mm) and hardness grades (HB, B, 2B).
Tombow Mono WX Pencil Lead
Tombow Mono WX Pencil Lead
Tombow Mono WX Pencil Lead Features
These leads have charming off-white cases and pastel retro highlights. Each lead case contains 40 pieces of high-quality lead that have excellent core strength and smooth performance. Mono-WX is uniquely available in three distinct iterations of HB lead—HBB, HB, and HHB. For those particular about their shading, the HBB is a hair darker than the HB, and the HHB is a hair lighter than HB. Other hardness grades include 2H, H, B, 2B, and 3B. HHB, HBB, 2B, and 3B are only available in 0.5 mm.
| Model | Sizes | Shades | Case Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tombow Mono Graph Lead | 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm | HB, B | Standard cases with bands – Orange, Blue, Red); Light Blue, Blue, Green, Orange, Pink |
| Tombow Mono WX Pencil Lead | 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm | 2H, H, HHB, HB, HBB, B, 2B, 3B | White cases with bands – Green, Light Green, Light Blue, Blue, Purple, Red, Orange, Yellow |
Erasers
We tested all of Tombow Mono’s erasers and divided them into sections based on usage. Read on to learn more about Tombow’s range of different erasers.
The Basic Eraser
Tombow Mono’s standard eraser is higher quality than the stereotypical rough pink school eraser. It will serve you well whether you’re drawing, writing, or working.
Tombow Mono Eraser
Tombow Mono Eraser
Tombow Mono Eraser Test
The basic Tombow Mono Eraser is one of the most popular erasers in Japan. In fact, designers awarded it the 2011 Long Life Design Award for its quality and versatility. Available in five different sizes, this unassuming white eraser sports a velvety smooth surface and removes marks efficiently without creating a lot of dust.
Light Touch Erasers
Erasing too hard on thin paper can lead to unwanted wear and tear. No one wants paper damage from over-erasing, especially when working on a final school project or finished drawing. That’s why Tombow Mono has a wide selection of light touch erasers.
Tombow Mono Light Eraser
Tombow Mono Light Eraser
Tombow Mono Light Touch Eraser Test
The Tombow Mono Light Eraser has a soft rubbery feel and its design reduces the pressure needed to remove mistakes. Of Mono’s various light touch erasers, this product performed averagely, erasing well but still requiring some noticeable pressure to use.
Tombow Mono More Light Touch Eraser
Tombow Mono More Light Touch Eraser
Tombow Mono More Light Touch Eraser Test
This blueish eraser is the super version of the Mono Light Eraser. It removes mistakes instantly with minimal pressure, making it a perfect tool for those who can’t tolerate paper damage. This eraser also works wonders for removing colored pencil marks as long as your shading is done with a light hand. Of Tombow Mono’s “light touch” erasers, it works best, though it does create lots of dust and has a powdery texture that some may dislike.
Tombow Mono Air Touch Eraser
Tombow Mono Air Touch Eraser
Tombow Mono Air Touch Eraser Test
Originating from the Mono One Holder eraser line, this twistable eraser is lightweight and compact. It’s perfect for students who store metric tons of books and homework in their bags. Of the products that Tombow advertises as “light touch,” this eraser takes the most effort to erase with but is a solid option for those who prefer a smaller eraser.
Stick Style Erasers
Decluttering is in—just ask Marie Kondo. One way to reduce clutter is to use smaller products to conserve space. To erase numbers, words, or other small details, consider these slim and miniature products to save desk and bag space.
Tombow Mono One Holder Eraser
Tombow Mono One Holder Eraser
Tombow Mono One Holder Eraser Test
According to Tombow, 80% of marks erased at work or school are three characters or less. Thus, Tombow Mono designed the One Holder Eraser so that people could efficiently erase their mistakes. Easily mistaken for lip balm, this petite eraser is a great alternative to the typical chunky eraser. In addition to coming with 6.7 mm of high-quality eraser, it sports a smooth rubber grip that prevents finger discomfort and a convenient plastic cap that protects the eraser from collecting dirt. It includes a roll-proof hook and a hole at the top for attaching to keychains, which can help you prevent losing your eraser easily. There are three models—standard, Air Touch, and Dust Catch. We elaborate on the last two models in our other sections.
Tombow Mono Knock 3.8 Style Eraser
Tombow Mono Knock 3.8 Style Eraser
Tombow Mono Knock 3.8 Style Eraser Test
The Knock 3.8 Style Eraser works like a clicky pencil with its comfortable rubber grip and knock mechanism, but is actually an eraser. It has a simple and attractive design, with options in three transparent colors—pink, green, and blue. Its slim 3.8 mm diameter can fit into any pencil case and can be used to remove stray marks without erasing surrounding areas. Of all the erasers tested, however, it requires the most pressure to work and creates the most noticeable feedback.
Tombow Mono Zero Eraser (2.3 mm and 2.5 x 5 mm)
Tombow Mono Zero Eraser (2.3 mm and 2.5 x 5 mm)
Tombow Mono Zero Eraser Test
Most erasers are advertised for how much they can erase. Yet erasers that can erase precisely are just as important, especially for cleaning up small details in drawings and designs. The Zero meets that need with your choice of a minute, 2.3 mm circular eraser or a 2.5 mm x 5 mm rectangular eraser. It is also equipped with a short feed knock mechanism that prevents it from dispensing too much eraser. For this eraser, we recommend erasing carefully with a light hand if you’re removing bigger details, or else unwanted paper damage may occur. Refills are available.
Dust Minimizing Erasers
Eraser dust is so minuscule that it’s almost negligible—except when it creates messes or triggers dust allergies. Eraser dust is especially onerous to deal with when a large area needs to be erased or when it gets stuck in other media, such as watercolor. To keep the workspace tidy, consider some of Mono’s dust minimizing erasers below.
Tombow Mono One Dust Catch
Tombow Mono One Dust Catch Eraser
Tombow Mono One Dust Catch Eraser Test
The Mono One Dust Catch is a black eraser in the One Holder Eraser product line. When used, it produces a long string of rolled up dust that can be easily removed with fingers. Of all of Mono’s dust minimizing erasers, it performs the best. One word of caution is that it’s very bendy and harder to control than other Tombow Mono erasers. The black material, while camouflaging the pencil marks on the eraser, can actually transfer onto paper. This can be remedied by gently erasing the stained surface.
Tombow Mono Non Dust Eraser
Tombow Mono Non Dust Eraser
Tombow Mono Non Dust Eraser Test
The Non Dust Eraser may look like any standard white eraser, but the dust that comes from this eraser rolls up into very manageable clumps for easy clean up. Though less bendy and more solid to hold than the Dust Catch, it does produce more clumps.
Tombow Mono More Dust Gathering
Tombow Mono More Dust Gathering Eraser
Tombow Mono More Dust Gathering Eraser Test
This eraser won’t create a mess, which makes cleaning up infinitely simpler. Of the products advertised as non-dust, however, this product creates the most dust “rolls.”
Tombow Mono NP Non-PVC Eraser
Tombow Mono NP Non-PVC Eraser
Tombow Mono NP Non-PVC Eraser Test
For a rubber alternative, try this non-toxic, non-PVC styrene synthetic rubber eraser with a 100% recycled paper sleeve. This eraser requires more rubbing pressure but erases excellently without smearing or creating eraser dust.
Ink Erasers
If correction tape isn’t for you, you might appreciate the magic of ink erasers. In addition to removing ink, these niche products can be used to create a faded, vintage look on calligraphy projects.
Tombow Mono Sand Eraser
Tombow Mono Sand Eraser
Tombow Mono Sand Eraser Test
This eraser is made of silica sand, which produces a fine glass-like powder that cuts paper when it erases. We tested this eraser on gel ink and ballpoint ink. The latter was easier to remove since ballpoint ink stays on the surface of the paper while gel ink seeps deeper into the paper fiber. As a caveat, this eraser does require some pressure to erase with and may create unseemly tears on your paper.
Tombow Mono Sand & Rubber Eraser
Tombow Mono Sand & Rubber Eraser
Tombow Mono Sand & Rubber Eraser Test
This eraser is a multi-purpose product, comprised of a white rubber side for erasing pencil and a gray rubber and sand side for erasing ink. While the white pencil eraser side of the pencil is not as smooth as Tombow Mono’s basic white eraser, the Sand & Rubber eraser is still a handy product for those who use both pens and pencils but only want to carry one eraser.
| Model | Eraser Type | Sizes | Shape | Residual Mess | Erasability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tombow Mono Eraser | Basic | Small, Medium, Medium Wide, Large, X-Large | Box | Medium | Very High |
| Tombow Mono Light Eraser | Light Touch | Small, Medium | Box | High | High |
| Tombow Mono More Light Touch Eraser | Light Touch | Medium | Box | High | Very High |
| Tombow Mono One Air Touch | Light Touch | Eraser Diameter: 6.7 mm, Barrel Length: 7.4 cm | Retractable Knock Barrel | High | Medium |
| Tombow Mono One Holder Eraser | Stick Style | Eraser Diameter: 6.7 mm, Barrel Length: 7.4 cm | Retractable Knock Barrel | Medium | Low to Medium |
| Tombow Mono Knock 3.8 eraser | Stick Style | Eraser Diameter: 3.8 mm, Barrel Length: 13.4 cm | Retractable Knock Barrel | High | Low – better for small details |
| Tombow Mono Zero Eraser | Stick Style | Eraser Diameter: 2.3 mm, 2.5 mm x 5 mm; Length: 11.9 cm | Retractable Knock Barrel | High | Medium to Low – best for small details |
| Tombow Mono One Dust Catch | Dust Minimizing | Eraser Diameter: 6.7 mm, Barrel Length: 7.4 cm | Retractable Knock Barrel | Low | High |
| Tombow Mono Non Dust Eraser | Dust Minimizing | Medium | Box | Low | High |
| Tombow More Dust-Gathering | Dust Minimizing | Medium | Box | Low | High |
| Tombow Mono NP Non-PVC eraser | Dust Minimizing | Small, Medium | Box | Medium | Very High |
| Tombow Mono Sand Eraser | Ink | Medium | Parallelogram | High | Medium for pencil |
| Tombow Mono Sand & Rubber Eraser | Ink | Medium | Parallelogram | High | Medium |
Other Accessories
Correction Tape
If you dislike crossing out mistakes in ink but don’t want to use an eraser or correction fluid, correction tape is a convenient and efficient alternative.
Tombow Mono 2Way Correction Tape + Eraser
Tombow Mono 2Way Correction Tape + Eraser
Tombow Mono 2Way Correction Tape + Eraser Test
Multi-purpose products are a blessing. On one end, the Tombow Mono 2Way Correction Tape + Eraser has a blocky high-quality retractable eraser, and on the other end, it features correction tape. Coming in five vivid colors, its polycarbonate monocoque plastic body is as cute as it is durable. Refills are available.
Tape
Adhesive tape is the unsung hero of students, professionals, and artists everywhere. It’s an alternative to glue that is exponentially easier to remove and less messy to deal with.
Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape Runner
Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape Runner
Tombow Mono Permanent Adhesive Tape Runner Application
Crafters will appreciate this nifty gadget for scrapbooking, card-making, gift wrapping, and other artsy projects. Creating double-sided tape ad hoc can be a hassle and glue can be messy and difficult to remove. The mess-free Tombow Mono Tape Runner dispenses adhesive with a convenient sliding mechanism. It is less permanent than white glue and requires no drying time. The adhesive is acid-free, safe for archival materials, and photo-safe according to the Photographic Activity Test (PAT). Refills are available.
Background Story
Founded in 1913, Tombow (which means “dragonfly” in Japanese) is one of Japan’s top five office products manufacturers. In 1967, Tombow launched the Mono 100 wooden pencils to commemorate its 55th anniversary. At the time, an eraser was included with the pencils as a gift. The eraser gained popularity and was launched separately as the “Mono Eraser” two years later. Over time, Tombow Mono became the trustworthy stationery icon that it is today.
Conclusion
Elegant and functional in their simplicity, Tombow Mono products prove that going back to basics is actually a great thing. We hope that this has been a useful guide for understanding the different products available from one of Japan’s most popular brands for students and professionals. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite Tombow Mono products are!
SOURCE:https://www.jetpens.com/blog/tombow-mono-a-comprehensive-guide/pt/915