All About Pocket Knives

I’ve been wondering why so many listings on eBay sound alike and are extremely generic. I haven’t listed a knife on eBay for a few months so I when I saw this suggestion to let AI write my description, I thought I would try it out.
Here is what I wrote: “From a recent Case collection purchased comes these Case stag knives in 7 different patterns, Trapper, Stockman, Muskrat, Texas Jack, Copperhead, Senator Pen and Peanut. All from 1978 and all displayed only and never used. I will be listing these over the next several days. This is a trapper with chip and crack free stag. The stainless steel blades have not been used or resharpened and retain their factory edges. Measures 4 1/4" closed OAL. Good snap and no wobble or play. No box, but I will include a zippered storage pouch. Free shipping within the USA.

We understand that a "knife" is not just a "knife" so we treat each knife with care and respect. We ship only in boxes and never envelopes. We package to protect your investment in transit so that it doesn't get scratched.”

Here is what the AI wrote: “This exceptional folding knife is a must-have for any serious collector. With its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, it is sure to impress even the most discerning knife enthusiast. The knife features a beautiful handle made of high-quality materials, and the blade is sharp and durable, making it ideal for a variety of cutting tasks. Whether you are a collector or simply looking for a reliable and attractive knife, this item is sure to meet your needs. The knife is perfect for display or everyday use, and its timeless design ensures that it will always be in style. Whether you are a fan of vintage knives or modern designs, this item is sure to please. So why wait? Add this exceptional folding knife to your collection today!”

What use is it? The AI description doesn’t tell you anything about the knife. Is this the best AI can come up with? I see this on more and more knife descriptions, so it’s a one size fits all answer. For a knife collector, it’s worthless. For the seller that doesn’t know what a collector is looking for, it’s an easy generic description that saves time but doesn’t deliver the information.
Not impressed to say the least.

Yes I have seen these new descriptions a lot on eBay, starting about six weeks ago. My assumption is that most of the people using it are not knowledgably about knives, and maybe only fill in a few item specifics and the AI then creates the very generic and clumsy-sounding description.

The good news is that maybe the descriptions written by we (the knowledgeable knife people) will look that much better by comparison.

I think you are right Steve. I actually copied my text before I hit the let AI help button and thought that AI would take the information I inputted and enhance it somehow. I wasn’t expecting a generic one size fits all approach. I have read so much about how great AI is and this was my first time using it and I must say, it has a long way to go before it’s usable for knife descriptions.

For reasons I won’t go into, I quit buying knives (or anything else) on FleaBay. From what y’all are saying, it’s one more reason not to. Since you’re paying for something that you can’t examine in person, an accurate description by a Knowledgeable seller is essential. A generic description of computer generated BS is not at all helpful. Fortunately there are other ways to acquire our collectibles.

Very slightly off the immediate subject, but here is the text of an Ebay listing which I copied and saved about 12 years ago. Enjoy:

SCHRADE HISTORY: Schrade knives are certainly one involving America’s finest knives whose features received value through nationwide and also the globe at the same time. Founded in 1975 by Stewart Taylor, your Taylor Brand names possess created, allocated and also created high-quality knives which have slept higher than the game. Having its technologically advanced components, carbon metal knives have been the delight involving Schrade knives. Hand-crafted together with utmost detail, Schrade knives have created a name that is certainly regarded all over the world.

Having a number of models to be able to appeal to diverse discerning style, the particular SCHRADE KNIVES customized knives in order to meet the requirements of the buyers who will be either enthusiastic cutlery collectors as well as first-time people that are impressed using its overall performance. Deals with tend to be involving stag, metal, acicular bone, mommy of gem, buffalo grass horn, black and other durable resources that will tolerate fantastic force without suffering appearance. Getting one of these is sure to keep the collection a single chef’s knife seeking much better. Schrade has been supplying knives for civilians and troops likewise going back hundred years ago. However, these people never have usually tried it under the parent firm they are now under. That they used to be an independent company and have already been doing this beyond Ellenville, New York since the year 1904. With regards to three decades previously, they joined up with Jones and Wesson within the father organization Taylor Makes, in the Appalachian mountains of Kingsport, Tennessee. Because his or her brand modified does not always mean Schrade knives have grown to be any a smaller amount capable of ending up being named among the best knives on the market. They have interpreted their unyielding good quality to the modern day manufacturing techniques, bringing about more offered, exceptional knives that any of our fantastic grandparents will be proud to obtain. Unfortunately, it wasn’t constantly an even path with regard to Schrade. Several blade hobbyists scrambled to acquire a common cutlery while that for series. Tiny do they already know Taylor Brands would likely rapidly choose the model upward off the floor, pull out their own graphic, and initiate manufacturing knives below their own industry name once more.

That old Schrade knives, LIKE THIS ONE, tend to be well-known knives using this brand name. It’s been useful for the particular military as well as legislations enforcements due to the sturdiness as well as reliability. It has saw-cut addresses along with dime increases. Additionally, it has an inlay safeguard where the old timers press has become engraved. Considering that the manufacturing involving Schrade knives was halted. There are only a few of those that you can seldom uncover and you’ll need to look up well on the internet and using specialized retailers to get a single Schrade knife.

And here is another line of bull; this cat could sell ice cream to an eskimo.

This is a great-looking folder all the way around. It's also an exceptionally solid and tight knife. It has that certain special look and feel of quality that Schrade was known for. The sturdy carbon steel blades were crisply ground and they're free of significant corrosion or pitting with just a bit of the usual scattered fine surface peppering as shown. Both blades are clearly marked and the tangs stamps remain bold. The blades have been lightly sharpened and they're free of harsh grinder marks or deep sharpening abrasions with little sharpening loss. The edges are free of any nicks, dings, or damage and remain very nice. They remain sharp and the knife is ready for immediate use, although a couple strokes on a good hone or stone would have them razor sharp in no time. Blade travel is very smooth over the entire arc for both blades and the master blade has a rock-solid half-stop. The blades remain completely solid and tight in the open position with no wobble or play. The spring remains strong and the blades close with a crisp, hard snap. The handle is of beautiful jigged bone (cattle) and it has a classic look. The bone was highly finished and exhibits a great luster. The thick scales were beautifully fitted and tightly pinned. The bone is free of any cracks, chips, hairlines, or damage and shows little wear. It remains dark and rich with absolutely no sun fade, bleaching, staining, or discoloration. The inlaid oval shield is of nickel silver and it remains tightly secured with no marring or damage. The bolsters are of thick nickel silver and they were deeply grooved. They're free of any dings, dents, marring, or damage with just a few scattered fine abrasions as shown.

Cal, those examples show me that maybe the AI is better for some people. What incomprehensible dribble spewing from both of those listings. Wow.

Obviously neither had English as a first language.

Sounds to me like that drivel Cal posted made its way into the eBay AI algorithm.

Who needs Artificial Intelligence when we already have ample genuine stupidity (GS)?

Ken

I am fortunate that a 50 mile Sunday cruise can take me to 4 or 5 antique or what-not shops and flea markets. I do not have to use e-bay. I certainly understand that those with limited access to stores, etc., have to use the internet, but Joanie and I like country drives anyway and I usually come back with a knife or three. The best advantage is I get to handle the knives and inspect them closely and maybe even dicker the price a little. An example is: 3 weeks ago I bought a Dog-Head KA BAR, a horseman's 7 -blade, and nine other, mixed, nice pieces in a bag for a negotiated price of $200. The "Doggie" is probably worth that at least, so the rest were a bonus. That, of course, was an exceptional deal but, it happens once i a while.
Some "canned", A-I description is totally abhorrent to my entire reason and style of collecting. I count my blessings in this respect and I wish everyone else good luck however you're able to collect and buy. J.O'.

I enjoy the theatre of Ebay. The nearest knife show from me that is even called that is Eugene Oregon, 1000 miles from me. In my huge region, there is nothing but pawn shops with Chinese knives and an occasional gun show with knives priced at 400% of value. That's it.

TR: You're the case in point. I know there are lots of folks like you who have little or no opportunities to shop around. I wish you luck with your buying. J.O'.

Mark, reading your description I could actually form a mental picture of the knife in question. You actually mentioned details about the knife, and didn’t blow smoke up my skirt about how owning it would make me feel.

“Whether you are a fan of vintage knives or modern designs, this item is sure to please.”

This particular claim is my tip-off, the word “item”. Could be a toaster, pair of roller skates, or nose hair tweezers, the pitch is the same. Doesn’t survive the stringent standards of AAPK scrutiny. (“Whether your nose hair is mature and seasoned, or you’re a tweezing novice, this item will have you wincing and mumbling cuss words at the mirror with every use.”)

Cal’s examples are interesting also. The Schrade history one is just word vomit, the other one seems reminiscent of a peddler actually trying to anticipate your questions/objections, but a little too smooth (other than an apparent obsession with the word “remains”). I think the tweezer analogy applies to it as well, although every AAPK member knows that tweezers don’t have bolsters.

Parker

PS to Cal: your jumbo stockmen remain quite satisfactory, one in my pocket right now. Thanks again.

Very funny Parker. Good point. I thought the description was way too generic and could have applied to other items. I haven’t searched eBay for anything other than knives, so I don’t know if this sounds the same for other products or not. I will have to check.

In that we ALL agree that the AI descriptions are neither accurate or informative, how about
the deceptive descriptions that (SOME) people write ?
Many are noticeably incorrect with others being vague, especially about the condition. Some don’t even state the brand of the knife. All good if it’s not branded and they state that but I’ve seen many such ads where zooming in gives you the information that was left out. They aren’t disclosing the type of steel, or country of origin. They aren’t outright lying but rather omitting pertinent information.
I concluded that these sellers aren’t knowledgeable about knives or that they’re
trying to overcharge buyers new to collecting who don’t have the experience to know they are getting ripped off. While some knives are legitimately expensive, others are expensive due to price gouging.
I believe that most collectors are not buying as much due to insane prices and the poor economy. I’ve cut back drastically on knife purchases and not by choice. If I buy online, it’s ONLY with a dealer I know is honest from prior experience. I’m sure many other dealers are but I’m not taking a chance with them.

AI will change all of our lives. I suppose it will eventually be able to write a decent knife listing but that will take a while.

For some reason, I had thoughts of some recent speeches I've heard from the "big guy" when I tried to decipher what was written.
Treefarmer