Wood Pen Blank - Ebony

I ordered two of these blanks on an impulse as I usually mill my own. These blanks were a little on the small side (length was fine) and they appeared to be pre-finished. I attempted to turn these into two cigars but unfortunately at least one part of each pen cracked on milling. I've turned Gaboon ebony before with better results. Perhaps this attempt was my fault. Since all of the other Crooked Mill products I've purchased have been really good quality I may attempt to purchase one of their other types of ebony.