A Matter of Proper Weight

Lingering around the dining table after dusk was getting dull, so I made my way over to the low wooden bookshelf by the corner lamp. Propped right against a row of dark paperbacks was a solid brass letter opener shaped like a slender dagger. I gave the hilt a firm shove with my shoulder to dislodge it from the spine, letting it tip smoothly onto the polished shelf. It made a crisp metallic clink. Sitting across the tapered blade, I dragged my palm over the cool, brushed finish. Sturdy brass, well balanced, and decently sharp. If something needs prying or testing later, this will do.