Majohn B25 • History Repeats Itself.

[@GeorgeENorkus]

I'm glad you included a size comparison to the Waterman Allure as that was my first thought about similar pens.

[@becca18470]

The Parker 25 was the first fountain pen that my parents bought for me back in 1980 when I was 10. My pen was stainless steel with blue findings, and my parents had my name engraved on it. You are right about the nib, the original Parker 25 had a shorter wrap around nib with a blue feed. I don’t know what happened to that pen, is probably in my parents attic.

[@EdUmeyama]

Parker 25 was an awesome pen in the 1980s. Even by today's standards it has not gone out of fashion. A truly brilliant design. Thanks to Majohn this pen is now available again. Good review James. You are awesome. Thank you for reviewing this wonderful piece. .

[@hriveran]

I’m fortunate to have a Parker 25 that bought second hand. I like it and I was tempted to buy Moonman’s just to compare, but I think i’ll check on that impulse. Great review as always, James. I wish you a great 2025.

[@anguswhite8233]

this was my first fp when I was in school: Parker were great about supplying you with a nib you actually liked - this fp is pretty much the source of my fp obsession: still going 40yrs later!; like the look of Diamine graphite; thanks for this:)

[@faniro4792]

Great review JG3! Although i don't like this pen, i enjoyed watching you, as always. Have a nice week!

[@JG3Reviews]

Thanks, you too!

[@YvesVanmaele-du2ib]

I just love your sense of humor !! Nice intro !! Great review !!

[@JG3Reviews]

Thanks!

[@user-ess01]

I still have a Parker 25 which I really enjoy and now I'm considering of getting obe or two of these! Thank you for the review!

[@KarlAdamsAudio]

I remember using a Parker 25 as a student in the mid 1980s, and I've considered getting another one for nostalgia's sake. I think the nib & feed design of the B25 slightly misses the minimalist aesthetic of the original. The Parker 25 had a very modern appearance for an 'old fashioned' fountain pen, and that was its charm.

[@JG3Reviews]

It is a shame they stopped short on the nib design, but it does add to appeal of finding a vintage Parker.

[@fizixguru101]

​@JG3Reviews I kinda like their take on a longer nib though, besides if they did make a shorter nib than they, moonman, will surely be lambasted for copy-pasting and having NO IMAGINATION of thier own!

[@paulherman5822]

Hmm. Very similar, but the first fountain pen I had was an Esterbrook J in gray. With a 9668 firm medium nib and the basic lever filler design. My dad's before he started a PaperMate Flair felt tip. Found it in my parents' barn. 😁 Started my lifetime love of vintage Esterbrook pens.

[@williamhowland1031]

🙏💕 James!! Love the look but, I am a medium nib kinda guy.

[@baronejimmyvonxentrix639]

Great remake, but why couldn't they make even the wrap around replica of the nib? For me, it could be an instant buy!

[@sunnycharacter]

Very sleek, I’d love to see the real deal and compare though! You know James, I don’t have to tell you, “…there’s nothing new under the sun.”! 😊

[@JG3Reviews]

True!

[@paulmchugh1430]

Yesterday I just ordered this pen. I have had 2 Parker 25 pens and frankly I did not treat them well. I used to write with them using carbonless copy paper, used to be called NCR paper and broke the section from pressing too hard. I was told about this model and it is about the price I paid for the Parker. Thank you for the review. It is like synchronicity.

[@johnnyragadoo2414]

Nice review, and I think that pen ought to have a niche. Better yet, though, to see that Allure. My first fountain pen as an adult was a black Allure bought off the rack at Office Max in the Central Texas Marketplace. I'd heard a few pen podcasts, remembered my fountain pen from fifth grade, and the hundred mile round trip didn't seem so far to get another one. It's probably nobody's grail pen, although it writes like a dream. In fact, the only thing I didn't like about it was the cartridge. I wanted a real pen, bottle-fed. I got a cartridge converter within a week and then had to suffer through using up the cartridge that came with the pen before I could tap a new bottle of Diamine. I hope you don't mind taking your own advice. Have a great day.

[@LewisLittle66]

I bought a Parker 25 in the late 80s when I was still in college. I still have it, and it still works great. I'd like to get one of these in Fine (my Parker is a Medium). Did you know though, that the designation B25 (on the Parkers) was only for the black one, which is now pretty rare. All the other colours were designated just Parker 25.

[@JG3Reviews]

You’re right! I knew that a few weeks ago, but apparently had a brain fart all through the review. And until I read your comment it had not clicked back. Thanks. 👍🏼

[@pamelasnyder9745]

I have more of a problem with Majohn duplicating pens that are still in production by the original manufacturer. If a manufacture opts to no longer make a certain model, does that mean the design should be retired for all time? I’ve perused Asian websites and it seems like Majohn has literally hundreds of models, not all of which are copies, but do they get any air play or serious consideration in other markets? (C2 and Wancai mini come to mind but maybe not the most robust examples) The copies get the most recognition and scrutiny because they are based on pens that are/were successful in our markets. My Wancai mini is always in my bag and has never failed me. I’m about to fill my C2 with Platinum Carbon for sketching. Both are eye droppers and hold a huge amount of ink.

[@archivist17]

If i want a grey ink, I use Parker Quink Black 😂 😉

[@JG3Reviews]

🤣

[@crouserm]

I used the Parker Jotter and Vector in the 1980s and 90s. Fine pens. I still have a couple of Vectors. Not that I use them. Too many newer or better pens. My preference for "danged with faint praise" is far more the Jinhao 82, as a good, reliable pen to enable new enthusiasts. My take on your question regarding imitation vs. innovation is that there is nothing new under the sun. Pretty much nothing. Likely nothing that I should afford. So, kudos to Moonjohn ... Maman? Whomever, for putting forward a design that will work for not so much a hobbyist as a practical writer for whom throwing away pens or cartridges is an ecological offense.

[@andrewdaydreamer5209]

I've never had a parker 25. I'm not too keen on the shape. But I see them often on eBay. Now starting to become more expensive second hand. Must be becoming collectable.

[@catherinehubbard1167]

Excellent useful review, thanks. If you plan to review gray inks, I recommend Noodler’s Clairvoyant Slate (I got mine from Jetpens). It’s absolutely waterproof like Lexington Gray, but darker. Very well-behaved ink and excellent for either writing or drawing.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

I really like the Noodler’s Lexington Gray. It shades really well and does look like grapheet. 😂

[@stevehuffman7453]

"history repeats itself" ain't that "old news"? Nib to me has Sheaffer Snorkel and related pen vibes. At least it is not as bad as the retractable pen nibs. 🤢 Cartridge/Converter? I'll pass. I've grown to like the Aerometric (Parker Super 21, and Hero 329/616/1107 are the Aerometric pens I have) Lever Fill (3 vintage. No production lever fill's in this day/age. 🥺), and piston fill. When I get a vac fill, I'm sure I will like it, as well.