carving a pipe?

[TexiKan]

6.) Beeswax for sealing and polishing.

I haven't had a lot of experience with these, but is it necessary and preferred to seal the pipe with beeswax? Is that because of the oils from handling? About the first year I started in this hobby, back in the mid 1970's, I ordered a small catlinite "camp pipe" from Dixie. I still have it, but it appears to have been lacquered or varnished. Have others simply left them polished but not waxed? If so, what is the advantage, disadvantage?

TexiKan