Balance a Stick on its End on a Finger

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Problem

How can a stick be made to balance securely on the tip of a finger?


Solution

Push the tips of $2$ knives into the side of the stick, near the tip, opposite each other, so that the handles of the knives hang down well below the finger.

The center of gravity of the arrangement will be below the fingertip and will be stable.


Historical Note

This puzzle is typical of those found in collections of Victorian amusements.


Sources