I've made several pens using cypress out of some reclaimed wood I had. I cut the blanks with some knots in them and they turned out very nice. I had a lot of trouble at first with blow outs, but it was more of lack of ability with a skew. All I use now is a small gouge and have had no more problems. It acts a lot like pine. It finishes very nice. Try to find a flooring store or a lumber yard that caters to the Log Cabin business. They will have cypress or should. Thats where I got mine. Look for pieces with some heart wood. I have some extras if you want them let me know.
When I moved up to PA from Louisiana, I took some cypress knees with me. Once they dried, they could be considered burl like in appearance. Lou, (DCBluesman) has done several pens from cypress knees. Try to get some cypress knees and use them.