Comments on: Top Japanese Pencils: The Mitsubishi Hi-uni and the Tombow Mono 100 http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100 exploring the art and science of pencils since 2005 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:47:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Brian http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-119383 Brian Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:39:43 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-119383 I've recently added some Mono 100 Fs to the stash, and I think they're just great. From the lacquer, to the fine stamping, to the fat cross section, to the crisp edges on the hex, to the intriguing end cap, to the core itself, there is much that I'm finding to like about this pencil. The lead is pleasantly communicative, and I find that this extra texture helps me when the point starts getting a little round. It seems like a Palomino HB just gets too slippery when the point starts to get rounded. The Mono 100 F, in contrast, has a consistent scratch to it that helps to slow the tip down a little bit. The darkness seems to be a good match for a USA Dixon Ticonderoga 2 5/10 that I have handy, and the point is quite long lasting indeed. Thank you pencil talk and commenters for raising awareness of these and other great Japanese pencils. I’ve recently added some Mono 100 Fs to the stash, and I think they’re just great. From the lacquer, to the fine stamping, to the fat cross section, to the crisp edges on the hex, to the intriguing end cap, to the core itself, there is much that I’m finding to like about this pencil. The lead is pleasantly communicative, and I find that this extra texture helps me when the point starts getting a little round. It seems like a Palomino HB just gets too slippery when the point starts to get rounded. The Mono 100 F, in contrast, has a consistent scratch to it that helps to slow the tip down a little bit. The darkness seems to be a good match for a USA Dixon Ticonderoga 2 5/10 that I have handy, and the point is quite long lasting indeed. Thank you pencil talk and commenters for raising awareness of these and other great Japanese pencils.

]]> By: Shane http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-92071 Shane Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:33:20 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-92071 <> We all have pencil OCD. A self-selected group of people who browse pencil blogs. I think we're all about getting hung up on the little things, heh heh. <>

We all have pencil OCD. A self-selected group of people who browse pencil blogs. I think we’re all about getting hung up on the little things, heh heh.

]]> By: Robert M. http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-91727 Robert M. Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:03:53 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-91727 Arne: In addition to JetPens, you might consider an order from Bundoki's English site pencils.jp. There are more Japanese retailers coming through on international offerings, but I've only directly done business with Bundoki, which is why I recommend it. I think you can get mixed singles instead of a dozen box if you want to try out a few grades first. As for the choices of pencils...Among the top pencils out there, the differences are rather minor. At the end of the day, apart from barrel thickness, I don't really notice my Mono 100 and Hi-Uni HBs from my Mars Lumograph Bs, and I consider them all to be pretty good. Even the relatively humble Mitsubishi 9800 is a very fine and usable pencil. It's fun to fetishize and make a big huff about the superiority of this or that, but at the end of the day, they're not all that different. I was switching between a Staedtler Wopex HB and a Hi-Uni F earlier, and didn't have any issues or complaints about the Staedtler, except that it's not as easy to sharpen (not surprising considering the material). Don't get too hung up on little things, unless you really want to. :) Arne: In addition to JetPens, you might consider an order from Bundoki’s English site pencils.jp. There are more Japanese retailers coming through on international offerings, but I’ve only directly done business with Bundoki, which is why I recommend it. I think you can get mixed singles instead of a dozen box if you want to try out a few grades first.

As for the choices of pencils…Among the top pencils out there, the differences are rather minor. At the end of the day, apart from barrel thickness, I don’t really notice my Mono 100 and Hi-Uni HBs from my Mars Lumograph Bs, and I consider them all to be pretty good. Even the relatively humble Mitsubishi 9800 is a very fine and usable pencil. It’s fun to fetishize and make a big huff about the superiority of this or that, but at the end of the day, they’re not all that different. I was switching between a Staedtler Wopex HB and a Hi-Uni F earlier, and didn’t have any issues or complaints about the Staedtler, except that it’s not as easy to sharpen (not surprising considering the material).

Don’t get too hung up on little things, unless you really want to. :)

]]> By: Gunther http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-91599 Gunther Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:15:57 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-91599 Unfortunately the Craft Design Technology item 17 has been discontinued. Unfortunately the Craft Design Technology item 17 has been discontinued.

]]> By: Arne http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-91570 Arne Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:10:27 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-91570 Really thorough reviews! Thanks for the heads up. Looks like I'll try the Mitsubishi HB. The Craft Design Technology item 17 HB looks very cool too, but a quick web search didn't turn up any place that sells them. Someone had mentioned DWR, but they didn't seem to sell them any more. Not having used any fine quality Japanese woodcase pencils, I'm assuming even an HB grade in the Mittsubishi or Tombow has a much darker line than a Staedtler HB. Really thorough reviews! Thanks for the heads up.

Looks like I’ll try the Mitsubishi HB. The Craft Design Technology item 17 HB looks very cool too, but a quick web search didn’t turn up any place that sells them. Someone had mentioned DWR, but they didn’t seem to sell them any more.

Not having used any fine quality Japanese woodcase pencils, I’m assuming even an HB grade in the Mittsubishi or Tombow has a much darker line than a Staedtler HB.

]]> By: Pencil Me In http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-91419 Pencil Me In Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:38:44 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-91419 Hi, Arne! Perhaps you might find the "Rating the Top Japanese Pencils" posts to be of use in your decision: http://www.penciltalk.org/2008/04/rating-the-top-japanese-pencils http://www.penciltalk.org/2008/04/rating-the-top-japanese-pencils-ii http://www.penciltalk.org/2008/05/rating-the-top-japanese-pencils-the-verdict The posts go over in detail the various aspects of the Mono 100s (and other terrific Japanese pencils) which may help inform your decision. P.S.: I just got a set of the Mitsubishis from www.JetPens.com (in the US). They also sell the Tombows, and offer free shipping on orders over $25. Hi, Arne!

Perhaps you might find the “Rating the Top Japanese Pencils” posts to be of use in your decision:

http://www.penciltalk.org/2008/04/rating-the-top-japanese-pencils

http://www.penciltalk.org/2008/04/rating-the-top-japanese-pencils-ii

http://www.penciltalk.org/2008/05/rating-the-top-japanese-pencils-the-verdict

The posts go over in detail the various aspects of the Mono 100s (and other terrific Japanese pencils) which may help inform your decision.

P.S.: I just got a set of the Mitsubishis from http://www.JetPens.com (in the US). They also sell the Tombows, and offer free shipping on orders over $25.

]]> By: Arne http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-91258 Arne Wed, 12 Jan 2011 04:38:44 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-91258 I'm about to make my first purchase of a dozen Mono 100's. I'm using them mostly for journal writing and quick design sketches.(I'm a graphic designer.) Never having used this high a quality pencil, I'm wondering which hardness to go for to start out. I presume the hardness rating is quite different than a lower quality pencil. I'm thinking either a B or HB. I know it all comes down to personal preference, but it is $25 for a dozen after all. Is there any difference as far as smudging, ease of erasing, or how long they will keep a point (what I guess is being called wear rate)? The Mitsubishi's sound nice too, but I haven't found them for sale in the US. Thanks for any suggestions! I’m about to make my first purchase of a dozen Mono 100′s. I’m using them mostly for journal writing and quick design sketches.(I’m a graphic designer.) Never having used this high a quality pencil, I’m wondering which hardness to go for to start out. I presume the hardness rating is quite different than a lower quality pencil. I’m thinking either a B or HB.

I know it all comes down to personal preference, but it is $25 for a dozen after all. Is there any difference as far as smudging, ease of erasing, or how long they will keep a point (what I guess is being called wear rate)?

The Mitsubishi’s sound nice too, but I haven’t found them for sale in the US.

Thanks for any suggestions!

]]> By: Robert M. http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-82414 Robert M. Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:57:19 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-82414 Interesting observations, Lucas. I've come across a few instances of slightly wonky plastic ends, but the stamping and imprints have always been quite clean and well-executed on all the pencils I've ordered. It's unfortunate if they are slipping on what has traditionally been one of the strong points of their product. I don't use Hi-unis that often really nowadays, but they're nice pencils. A good deal nicer than Palominos, in my opinion. I agree with Kevin on grading...the arbitrary nature of it allows some companies to use an excessively soft lead, stamp HB on it, and enjoy praise from users who can't seem to realize it's no different from a midrange pencil in B or 2B, including in graphite wear rate. It's also the easy shortcut to "smoothness", but seems disingenuous. A bunch of other pencil makers try to capitalize on that dishonesty, such as Liberty in Taiwan with their cheap No. 90 "#2" pencil, which in my experience is pretty reminiscent of the Palomino in softness, darkness, smoothness, and point durability. Like Kevin, I have a bit of a preference for the Mono 100, though I prefer a two-tone combination of HB and 2B in my writing. I tend to use the same combination, or sometimes F and B in Mitsubishi's 2mm Uni leads. Probably won't buy Liberty or CalCedar pencils anymore. Interesting observations, Lucas. I’ve come across a few instances of slightly wonky plastic ends, but the stamping and imprints have always been quite clean and well-executed on all the pencils I’ve ordered. It’s unfortunate if they are slipping on what has traditionally been one of the strong points of their product.

I don’t use Hi-unis that often really nowadays, but they’re nice pencils. A good deal nicer than Palominos, in my opinion. I agree with Kevin on grading…the arbitrary nature of it allows some companies to use an excessively soft lead, stamp HB on it, and enjoy praise from users who can’t seem to realize it’s no different from a midrange pencil in B or 2B, including in graphite wear rate. It’s also the easy shortcut to “smoothness”, but seems disingenuous. A bunch of other pencil makers try to capitalize on that dishonesty, such as Liberty in Taiwan with their cheap No. 90 “#2″ pencil, which in my experience is pretty reminiscent of the Palomino in softness, darkness, smoothness, and point durability.

Like Kevin, I have a bit of a preference for the Mono 100, though I prefer a two-tone combination of HB and 2B in my writing. I tend to use the same combination, or sometimes F and B in Mitsubishi’s 2mm Uni leads. Probably won’t buy Liberty or CalCedar pencils anymore.

]]> By: Lucas http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-82286 Lucas Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:42:30 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-82286 penciladmin: I agree that many products are too cluttered and use too many fonts, however the Hi-Unis aren't too bad. At least there is only print on two sides. If only they stamped the grade on three sides, ala Tombow, they would be even that much cleaner. My complaint had to do with how the foil was laid down and the resultant aesthetic. The gold is chipped in places, does not fill many of the letters, and extends beyond the lines of others. Just looks rather sloppy. This was only the case with a few of those in the box I purchased, but still. I do have to say that I have warmed up to how the pencil writes, perhaps my expectations were too high and have now leveled out. penciladmin: I agree that many products are too cluttered and use too many fonts, however the Hi-Unis aren’t too bad. At least there is only print on two sides. If only they stamped the grade on three sides, ala Tombow, they would be even that much cleaner. My complaint had to do with how the foil was laid down and the resultant aesthetic. The gold is chipped in places, does not fill many of the letters, and extends beyond the lines of others. Just looks rather sloppy. This was only the case with a few of those in the box I purchased, but still. I do have to say that I have warmed up to how the pencil writes, perhaps my expectations were too high and have now leveled out.

]]> By: Kevin http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-78973 Kevin Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:07:19 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-78973 What is this obsession with darkness of a grahite pencil. Has anyone heard of the term Grade which denotes darkness (or lightness if you prefer H pencils). That is why there are different grades so you can choose your own preferred darkness. Now Faber Castell is constantly criticised for having light colored leads compared to other makers such as Tombow, Staedtler, Mitsubishi. I tell Faber Castell to take there 2B pencil and rebadge it HB then all the darkness lovers will be satsified. For what it is worth my personal favorite is Tombow Mono 100 in B grade but I'm not being swayed by any darkness arguments. What is this obsession with darkness of a grahite pencil. Has anyone heard of the term Grade which denotes darkness (or lightness if you prefer H pencils). That is why there are different grades so you can choose your own preferred darkness. Now Faber Castell is constantly criticised for having light colored leads compared to other makers such as Tombow, Staedtler, Mitsubishi. I tell Faber Castell to take there 2B pencil and rebadge it HB then all the darkness lovers will be satsified. For what it is worth my personal favorite is Tombow Mono 100 in B grade but I’m not being swayed by any darkness arguments.

]]> By: penciladmin http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-77894 penciladmin Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:38:32 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-77894 The foil stamping is "shoddy"? What specifically about it? The fonts and aesthetics may not be to all tastes (I think there are too many fonts used, as an example), but I've never heard the quality of manufacture impugned. The foil stamping is “shoddy”? What specifically about it? The fonts and aesthetics may not be to all tastes (I think there are too many fonts used, as an example), but I’ve never heard the quality of manufacture impugned.

]]> By: Lucas http://www.penciltalk.org/2006/09/top-japanese-pencils-the-mitsubishi-hi-uni-and-the-tombow-mono-100/comment-page-1#comment-77792 Lucas Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:20:43 +0000 http://173.203.81.145/?p=32#comment-77792 After much anticipation I just received my first box Hi-Unis (HB) from JetPens. I have to say I am very disappointed. The box was of course very nice but the contents were lackluster. The finish is quite shoddy, specifically the foil stamping. It is overall inconsistent and cheap-looking. The transition between the core and the plastic cap is rough, and again, feels cheap. Writing with the pencil, while not bad, does not live up to expectations either. Writing with the Hi-Uni is a consistent and rather smooth affair but the line is not nearly as dark as a Palomino HB nor does it feel as smooth. The Hi-Uni does erase better than this competitor and is less likely to smudge, but only barely. Definitely prefer the Palomino, Mars Lumograph, and even the Tombow Mono Homograph to this pencil. Wishing I had gone with the Tombow Mono 100s as I was torn between these and the Hi-Unis when I ordered. Bummer. After much anticipation I just received my first box Hi-Unis (HB) from JetPens. I have to say I am very disappointed. The box was of course very nice but the contents were lackluster. The finish is quite shoddy, specifically the foil stamping. It is overall inconsistent and cheap-looking. The transition between the core and the plastic cap is rough, and again, feels cheap. Writing with the pencil, while not bad, does not live up to expectations either. Writing with the Hi-Uni is a consistent and rather smooth affair but the line is not nearly as dark as a Palomino HB nor does it feel as smooth. The Hi-Uni does erase better than this competitor and is less likely to smudge, but only barely. Definitely prefer the Palomino, Mars Lumograph, and even the Tombow Mono Homograph to this pencil. Wishing I had gone with the Tombow Mono 100s as I was torn between these and the Hi-Unis when I ordered. Bummer.

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