I bet you are all familiar with the amazing products Tombow have to offer. However, how much do you know about their pencil options? Hello Tombow fans, Serena from @SerenaBeeCreative here! Today, I want to tell you everything you need to know about Tombow pencils. Let’s get started!
8900 Drawing Pencil
Let’s begin our journey with the OG pencil: The 8900 Drawing Pencils.
The 8900 Drawing Pencils are one of the oldest products sold by Tombow Japan beginning in 1913. It’s like you are holding history in your hand! It’s also one of the most recognizable and most famous pencils in all of Japan. How fun!! The 8900 Drawing Pencils are your basic HB pencil. However, they comes in a few point strengths/degrees: HB, B and 2B. Literally, everyone in school would be using this pencil!
The reason why it’s known as the most popular pencil in Japan is because of it’s great quality! For over 100 years the 8900 Drawing Pencils have been recognized for their consistency and long lasting use. They are durable and have break resistant lead.
Basic Cheat Sheet:
- Most used pencil in Japan (it’s famous)
- Long lasting
- Break resistant
- High quality
- Durable and consistent
- Available in 3 strengths/degrees: HB, B and 2B
- Comes in a box of 12
MONO J Drawing Pencil
Next, let’s take a look at the MONO J Drawing Pencils.
The MONO J Drawing Pencils are the perfect introductory pencils to the Tombow MONO Drawing Pencil line. They are made with a high density graphite lead core and come in six different point strengths/degrees (more on this later). These make the perfect introductory set of professional grade drawing pencils for beginner illustrators.
When using the MONO J Drawing Pencils, you will notice how they are durable, smear proof and slow to wear. This makes them a dream to draw and write with! The MONO J Drawing Pencils also sharpen like butter! The strong lead core ensures that they do not get eaten up in the sharpener and hold their point once sharpened.
Now you may notice that the MONO J Drawing Pencils look similar to the MONO Drawing Pencils (we will discuss these next). The biggest different between both types of pencils is the range in point strength/degree. There are only six point strengths in the MONO J Pencil line: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 3B and 4B. The MONO Drawing Pencils come in 14 point strengths/degrees!
Basic Cheat Sheet:
- Perfect for beginners
- High density graphite core
- Durable and break resistant
- Smear proof
- Long lasting
- Available in 6 strengths: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 3B and 4B
MONO Drawing Pencils
Lastly, let’s take a closer look at the MONO Drawing Pencils.
The MONO Drawing Pencils are the superior professional drawing pencils in the business. One key feature differentiating these pencils is their sleek finish. The MONO Drawing Pencils have a rounded top with a beige and gold border covering all around the barrel.
They are very affordable for such top of the line pencils. They produce super smooth, crisp and clean drawings with no waxy buildup. The high density lead is soft yet durable/strong and will not break when applying pressure. Much like the MONO J Drawing Pencils, they are smear proof and long lasting with slow wear and holds a great sharp point every time.
The MONO Drawing Pencils are perfect for all professional illustrators and come in a variety of 14 point strengths/degrees: 2B, 2H, 3B, 3H, 4B, 4H, 5B, 5H, 6B, 6H, B, F, H and HB. There is literally a pencil for all your drawing needs!
Basic Cheat Sheet:
- Sleek and professional design
- Superior quality yet affordable
- High density graphite core
- Soft and durable
- Not waxy
- Break resistant
- Smear proof
- Long lasting
- Comes in 14 strengths/degrees: 2B, 2H, 3B, 3H, 4B, 4H, 5B, 5H, 6B, 6H, B, F, H and HB.
I hope you enjoyed this review of the amazing Tombow pencil options available! We would love to hear your thought on the Tombow pencils and which are your favorite. Make sure to tag @serenabeecreative and @tombowusa.
For pencil inspiration check out the following posts:
- Illustrating With Pencils by Smitha Katti
- House Warming Card by Jessica Mack
- Creating Patterns With Beth Watson
If you’d like to see more from me, check out my Youtube channel or join my Crafty Rebelles Community!
Much love,
Serena Bee
Thank you for this review of Tombow pencils.
I’m always on the look-out for new drawing media for myself and students,
in particular a large range of hardness.