Review: Tombow Monotech 1000 - Box Set

I have been collecting for some time now, and occasionally I acquire some rare wonders.
Having spied the Tombow Monotech 1000 series, I was more than intrigued. Sometime ago I happened to purchase the 0.5mm type. From the moment I held it I was hooked. I find it a wonderfully balanced and exceptional MP ...so where is this going I hear you say?

Well, whilst surfing the net, I happened across a Korean site and the owner had in his possesion a Monotech Box Set. Looking through the post certainly fueled my desire, rendering my admiration complete...only in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd happen across this seemingly unattainable wonder. Well, as luck and good fortune would have it, I can now say I am the proud curator of said wonder.

...here it is!

The set is housed in a grey powder coat - hinged metal enclosure. It has two levels, which contain a full set of Monotech 1000 MPs - 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 & 0.9 on the upper tier, with the lower tier containing graphite lead holders for 0.3, 0.5 & 0.7 - unusually there is no provision for 0.9?? A minor infraction I am reluctantly willing to live with...lol.

Great Set

All in all, every MP in the set is a gem. The MP’s sit well in hand, I believe they have a similar feel to the Pilot H-1080 series, though the Monotech 1000 may be a gram or so heavier at around 14g. They are also similar in length, with the Monotech 1000 being a millimetre or so longer at 144mm.

The Tombow Monotech 1000 0.5, seen here with a couple of my favs, the well renowned Pentel PG1505 Accu Graph and perfection itself...Pentel PG15.

Writing and drawing is a pleasurable experience, as like some other Tombow MPs the shaft is tapered so as to feel somewhat natural / comfortable to hold. The grip is knurled (it too is tapered) and is a tad more abrasive than say the Pentel PG1505. IMHO, this allows a slightly better purchase when drawing.

Nice...

The Tombow Monotech 1000 end cap houses an eraser which has a handy graphite clearing wire. The end cap also doubles as a hardness indicator, which I find a tad too easy to adjust. The body is plastic (possibly black acetate??) and the grip appears to be made out of brass.

...tis the end for sure!

The Tombow Monotech 1000 is a fantastic mechanical pencil with a well balanced design and very good build quality...it would be a worthy addition to any collection.

I must admit, I am a long time admirer of Tombow and this example is a clear indication why. I only wish it included the 0.4mm type - this one has alluded me so far...the hunt continues.

Having this box set in my collection is a privilege...to say the least.