As far as the ebony goes, there are no junk shops in the small village where I live and trips to the city are for the minimum time and for necessities only. I have managed to get a little from a good friend though, so the next couple of projects have the tip and cap sitting in wait. I have also been the recipient of some buffalo horn from a friend in SA, so have a couple of tips and a few caps there if I want to use them instead although they will be kept for a special project or two.