Since we test tons of stationery from around the world, it's only natural that we compare it to the, uh, not-so-great stationery we've used in the past.

Let's have a look at five reasons why Japanese binders are better than their American counterparts.

1. Ring binding that doesn't try to take your fingers off Back in my day, teachers required you to get 2-inch binders.

The metal rings would pinch and, for one reason or another, would break after a while.

It doesn't have to be this way.

Japanese binders feature innovative plastic rings that keep pages secure without breaking down or trapping fingers.

There are rings that open by pulling a tab, rings that are unhooked and slide open, and rings that are pinched and separated.

There are also binders like the King Jim Tefurenu that only have rings at the top and bottom.

This lets you write comfortably whether you're left- or right-handed.

2. It's the inside of the binder that counts.

You've probably noticed that Japanese loose-leaf paper has more holes than American paper.

This design choice allows the stress from the binder rings to be more evenly distributed, causing fewer tears.

Plus, if there is a tear, the paper won't have to rely on only one or two other holes to ensure it stays in the binder.

The Kokuyo Campus line is full of paper geared towards students that can be used by anyone.

Stay on top of your schedule with study planner paper or keep graphite notes and drawings neat with clean erasing paper.

We also love the varieties found in the Maruman loose-leaf lineup.

There's smart review paper to help with memorization, easy-to-write paper for color-coding, and even croquis paper for artists who like to sketch on the go.

3. Accessories that make a difference.

Now that we've gone over some features of Japanese binders, it should come as no surprise that their accessories are equally impressive.

They allow you to customize your binder, whether you're a student taking notes in multiple classes or a foodie collecting recipes.

These B5 Maruman dividers come with two index tabs per section for separating notes and homework assignments, budgets and expense trackers, or plan schedules and care instructions.

Some binders have compatible files for membership cards and photos.

I like using the Kokuyo Novita Alpha card file for storing my fountain pen ink swatches.

Finally, store small essentials like pens, thumb drives, and sticky notes in binder zipper pockets.

Be sure to avoid stuffing too much in them, though, or your binder may become excessively bulky.

4. There's a binder for everyone.

American binders are often student-focused and don't meet everyone's needs.

Japanese binders, on the other hand, come in various styles and serve a wider array of purposes.

Working in cramped spaces or out in the field, binder notebooks combine the ability to rearrange pages with a slim notebook form factor.

They don't take up as much room as a standard binder, with covers that fold back and provide a more stable writing surface.

You don't need a hole punch to fill the Kokuyo Novita Alpha expandable binder.

Mix and match their files to organize recipes, documents, or notes and slide them into the grooves of the binder's spine.

Professionals that project plan will appreciate Maruman 5 Chart binders.

They have small cutouts that let you access the dividers without opening the cover, so it's quick and easy to mark progress or jot down next steps.

There's also Mark System Planner binders for keeping your schedule organized.

Their undated monthly and weekly calendars offer plenty of space for appointments and tasks without the risk of wasting pages.

5. The Humble Mini Binder Japanese mini binders are equal parts versatile and portable.

Use them to keep study notes, grocery lists, and more on hand.

We're big fans of the Maruman Intu1+.

It comes with everything you need to get started, including 20 sheets of graph paper, 3 dividers, and 1 zipper pocket.

And its elastic band closure keeps pages from getting crumpled.

Check out our Mini Binders video for ideas on how you can integrate them into your everyday life.

Have you made the switch to Japanese binders?

Let us know what you use yours for in the comments.

As always, the items mentioned can be found in the description below and at JetPens.com.

Thanks for watching!