NO Help with the bone tips but I inset two little squares of abalone (paua) shell strip on one blade end and one little square of paua shell on the other blade end. I reversed the pattern for the otherside of the blades. The squares are about 2" in from the tip and about 2" apart (when paired) and about 3" from the tip when single. This is a simple pattern and just makes the paddle a bit unique.

The simple 'pattern' drives people nuts. It sort of looks like a simple dice and people think it is significant and that you should have two dots on the right/left ... whatever.

Not traditional, but different.

Anything flat would do to be inset.

Hey come to think of it (I have never tried this at home) I reckon you draw a simple line picture (example Nicks' 'guillemot' from his notes - the one with lots of lines) onto the blade. Carve the lines out with a little modeling gouge chisel. Then fill the rut/gouge with coloured epoxy and sand flush. I think I will try this on my legendary expedition single (the one I almost have all the bits for, but haven't made a start yet).

Good luck with your project

PETE