All About Pocket Knives

I’m fed up with eBay AI descriptions that tell NOTHING about the knife that’s not obvious to any potential buyer who simply looks at the listing picture.

Like this one

This vintage Case XX folding knife is a must-have for any knife collector. The blades all have great snap and no wobble. With a red bone handle and four blades, including a punch tool, this knife is perfect for everyday use and outdoor adventures. The manual opening mechanism and plain edge blade make it easy to use with both hands, while the ambidextrous dexterity ensures a comfortable fit for everyone.


This original knife was manufactured in the United States between 1964-1969 and has a unique vintage look. The brand name "Case XX" is highly respected in the knife community, and this pocketknife is no exception. Whether you're using it for camping, hunting, or just everyday tasks, this knife is sure to impress.

All of which is readily obvious to me at first glance at the pictures. Other than the bit about ”snap”, nothing of use to a potential bidder. “Manual opening mechanism”? “Plain blade edge”? “Easy to use with both hands”? (Does that mean it requires both hands to use it?).

Ken

On the one hand I think it’s pathetic. On the other hand I’m glad we can still tell it’s AI .

I can’t believe the sellers want that crap on their auction. It makes them look stupid.

I posted about this weeks ago: viewtopic.php?t=82616 .
It’s a pet peeve of mine. I specify on my eBay listings that we never use AI knife descriptions.
You can tell all of these by the “must have” words used in all of them. When I read that I stop reading and pass on any knives that I am not absolutely certain about from the pictures. I did see one of these last week with an AI description but they used my pictures of a Paragon knife I sold here on AAPK. It was some seller from Japan. It always surprises me when my pictures show up on eBay. I guess I should watermark my pics so people don’t associate those AI knife descriptions with my knives.

Sorry Mark, forgot you had already posted on this same disgusting practice. Maybe one of the mods can move this to that thread. They’ve probably got better things to do though, than clean up after me.

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sat Oct 26, 2024 10:21 pm I’m fed up with eBay AI descriptions that tell NOTHING about the knife that’s not obvious to any potential buyer who simply looks at the listing picture.

Like this one

This vintage Case XX folding knife is a must-have for any knife collector. The blades all have great snap and no wobble. With a red bone handle and four blades, including a punch tool, this knife is perfect for everyday use and outdoor adventures. The manual opening mechanism and plain edge blade make it easy to use with both hands, while the ambidextrous dexterity ensures a comfortable fit for everyone.


This original knife was manufactured in the United States between 1964-1969 and has a unique vintage look. The brand name "Case XX" is highly respected in the knife community, and this pocketknife is no exception. Whether you're using it for camping, hunting, or just everyday tasks, this knife is sure to impress.

All of which is readily obvious to me at first glance at the pictures. Other than the bit about ”snap”, nothing of use to a potential bidder. “Manual opening mechanism”? “Plain blade edge”? “Easy to use with both hands”? (Does that mean it requires both hands to use it?).

Ken

!st rule of ebay buying, " If you have suspicions about an item, don't buy it."

A while back I asked some questions of someone who posted nothing but a STUPID A.I. description on a fleabay auction and I actually received a reply. They actually said that they knew nothing about knives and the A.I. description was all that was needed.

In the future I plan to skip all auctions that contain that A.I. crap!

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sun Oct 27, 2024 12:14 am Sorry Mark, forgot you had already posted on this same disgusting practice. Maybe one of the mods can move this to that thread. They’ve probably got better things to do though, than clean up after me.

Ken

That’s okay Ken. The AI description about that canoe being good for paddling on both sides is hilarious and I had forgotten that was the reason I started that thread in the first place.
You are right that AI descriptions are worthless. All these do is take the information that is input on the knife info, like “blade range”, and make a word salad of it with oft repeated phrases like “it’s a must have for the knife enthusiast”. I wish someone at eBay would read these and realize what they have created is worthless.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that allows machines to perform tasks that would normally require human intelligence. It is based on complex algorithms that enable the processing of large volumes of data to learn and make decisions based on them. AI is composed of various techniques and approaches, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Each of these techniques is designed to solve specific problems and can be applied in different scenarios.

The use of AI to write a knife description is a stretch. The eBay knife descriptions are more like a mail merge process than a modern technique designed to solve a problem. Not everything generated by software is AI even though marketeers line eBay would have you believe so

I hate AI descriptions! There’s a lot a buyer needs to know before purchasing, and useless info like “perfect for outdoor use and everyday adventures,” “ambidextrous,” “this knife is sure to impress” doesn’t tell you anything and isn’t going to convince anyone to buy it. What I hate equally as much is “see photos for description.”

As an interesting side line to this AI discussion, consumers who had contacted companies via their chatbots that use AI and had communications that made promises of warranties, repairs or monetary settlements are finding out that the company IS responsibly for these promises. Some companies have tried to claim that the AI chatbots were "separate legal entities responsible for their own actions".

This description:
This vintage knife by Craftsman was proudly made in the United States in 1929. It features the iconic Boy Scouts of America Service Library design, making it a unique and valuable addition to any collection. The knife's handle is sturdy and the blade is sharp, ready for any adventure or task. This piece is a must-have for any Boy Scouts enthusiast or collector of vintage craftsman items.

Was for this item: I got a good chuckle from this. BTW - the human creating the listing has an opportunity to see the item description before starting the item for sale - and to think that we walk amongst them

bestgear wrote: ↑Sun Oct 27, 2024 4:31 pm This description:
This vintage knife by Craftsman was proudly made in the United States in 1929. It features the iconic Boy Scouts of America Service Library design, making it a unique and valuable addition to any collection. The knife's handle is sturdy and the blade is sharp, ready for any adventure or task. This piece is a must-have for any Boy Scouts enthusiast or collector of vintage craftsman items.

Was for this item:
IMG_8534.png

I got a good chuckle from this. BTW - the human creating the listing has an opportunity to see the item description before starting the item for sale - and to think that we walk amongst them

I have a copy of that pamphlet. I'm not aware that Craftsman had anything to do with its creation or publishing.

Ken

I see stupid AI descriptions popping up on used gun listings as well. Nothing about the gun's bore, mechanics, or functionality. Just blah blah blah. Reminds me of a certain presidential candidate...