Thanks everyone. Of course, I'm not the first to try that material here - if you want to buy a paua blank, check with Roy (
Oklahoman) - he supplies blanks made by a couple of IAP members (Ken & Roger).
If you want to try your own, there are plenty of sources on the web for the shell - just google "flexible paua shell" or "paua shell veneer". I bought mine a long time ago and would have to look up the vendor. It's been sitting on my bench for ages, looking just a bit too intimidating...
For the material (strips or wrap), I cut mine with my laser - still trying to find the exact dimension to minimize seams. Been gluing it on the tubes with CA, which is awkward & messy. Might look at the material with the adhesive backing if I ever reorder, or maybe use a spray adhesive.