New Minkus Binder Purchase

I just bought a Minkus Binder to house a used set of Mongolia pages. It's a 2 post binder. When I bought it, I assumed that you would be able to set the binder flat on its binding and open the pages and turn it like the pages of a book like the old Minkus binders. When I received it, the first thing I noticed is that you can't open the binder fully when the 2 post holder is in place. In order to turn the pages, you have to undo the metal 2 post holder This leaves the pages on the right with the 2 post holder sticking up several inches. In order to turn the pages, you have to turn them over the 2 post holder--it doesn't lay flat. I sent an email to customer service and they gave me a answer that didn't make sense. I wrote back for clarification and they aren't answering. So my questions:

Does anyone have a new Minkus Binder (mine is maroon) and is this a problem? Can you open the binder? Is this a design flaw? Or am I missing something?

Thanks for any insight.
paulsonja

Sounds odd. A picture would be helpful.

Lemme guess..you bought this from Amos? Does the binder say 'Minkus' on it? Amos makes all the reprints for the older Minkus pages and sells branded binders. If so, I'd forget email, I'd call and talk to someone. I still cannot visualize the issue but either you didn't use it correctly (no offense) or the binder is defective.

I believe he is talking about this situation:

https://www.stampcommunity.org/uplo...11720_11.jpg

If correct, all 2-post binders have this problem. It's why 3-ring loose-leaf mechanisms were developed.

Previous picture is not the same. The left side of the binder opens fully. My binder does not open fully. I have a 2 post Scott National that is like the previous picture. I have no issue with that. I am attaching (I hope) three pictures. The first is the binder opening as far as it goes. I think it should open fully. It doesn't. The second is the binder unattached to the 2 post system, allowing the pages to turn. The third is turning pages with the binder unattached to the 2 post system. I can turn pages as long as I take the binder apart. It seems like that is a really bad design--either that or I have user error (quite possible) or it's defective. Just trying to figure out what's what. I had my husband look at it and he's stumped too.

To be clear, I think I should be able to produce picture #3 with the binder attached to the 2 post system. Is this possible? Right now the binder is unattached like the second picture.

It is hard to tell from the pics, but If the two post system is not flexible and is connected to the front and back covers, then it seems like a system that is not suitable for a stamp album.

OK, look at the front of the binder. Is there an indentation on the far left side just a few mm from the spine running parallel to the spine? Your binder sounds like a Global binder I got a few months back, I couldn't figure out how I was supposed to use it. I finally figured out that I needed to fold the front cover of the binder back toward me creasing it along the indentation. Then it was usable. I'd bet that is what you need to do with yours.

They need to include instructions with these.

I had the same experience as Stamps1962 described. Unfortunately making that crease clean and looking nice isn't easy - as careful as I was I still ended up breaking the black inside covering in a few spots. I bought an older version of this binder on ebay a few years ago and it appeared that, back then, Minkus made these with the crease flexible from the get go. I think the construction of these has gone downhill.

Thank you. That is exactly what is it. We just bent it back and yep, the black inside covering broke in a few spots. It's a crappy design and I am disappointed I paid $40 including shipping for it. It will be the only Minkus binder I buy--and I am tempted to give it up and do Steiner for Mongolia. Thanks Stamps 1962 and Canyoneer, I was going crazy trying to figure out what was wrong.

paulsonja

Paul, You could always use an "old" Minkus binder. You may be able to find one in new, or almost new condition at a stamp show, or on the internet.

I have done this a few times. The last time I did this, I traded duplicates for a 2 post Minkus binder.

Good idea, bookbndrbob, I will keep my eye out for an older Minkus binder. There's a large stamp show coming up and I may be able to find one there. I have been checking ebay as well.

paulsonja

Paul, Are you talking about the Lexington Show. Maybe I'll see you there.

Jack Kelley

Walpex. One of my favorite shows. I could always pop up to Dedham for 1st Sunday and see if Harry (Mostly Stamps) has one. He's got just about everything--but does not do Walpex.