We encourage people to handle as the tactile aspect of wood is a good selling point and with that in mind either use pure carnauba wax or microcrystalline both of which can take the handling. For the ikebana ones I prefer the microcrystalline as it is also water repellant. I have found that the general public aren't too keen on oiled finishes except on foody things such as salad bowls mortar and pestles etc and lacquers tend to give more of a plastic look which again doesn't appeal to many.
Often get asked what is it for with arty pieces, usual (polite) answer is 'for enhancing your living environment.'
Pete