I use the EEE + Shellawax for my finishes because that's what I was originally taught with and that's what I bought.
As was mentioned above, it's not a long lasting durable finish, but it can look stunning.
Wood choice can play a role, spalted woods don't do well with Shellawax.
I find I can get an incredible looking finish by using the following method:
I sand through to my highest grit, which is 1200, followed by micromesh to 15000 (the grit on sandpaper and micromesh run on a different scale, check the library for more info)
I make a habit of NOT touching the blank with my bare skin from this point onwards.
I then use EEE, turning the speed on the lathe up nice and high, and I do a few coats of this, letting the abrasive in the wax do its thang. 3 coats on average, 4 if I feel like it. No real formula.
I then do 3 or 4 coats of the Shellawax, making sure to really get the heat up through the friction. On each coat, you need to keep the friction on until the cloth you're applying it with is hard and shiny. This is important.
Also, don't hold it on for too long or it could burn. Don't ask how I know this.
I find I can get a stunning deep gloss finish with this method, but here's the kicker:
If you handle the blank straight after you finish polishing, it will go dull FAST.
The finish takes time to cure. I find a month is about right. I KNOW RIGHT! A WHOLE MONTH!
So I transfer the finished barrels to a clear plastic tube without touching the finish, using the bushings, and put it away for a month.
By doing so, I find it makes the finish at least a little bit durable.
But the finish will wear off. it will go dull from regular use.
I use the very first pen I ever turned, which was finished using Shellawax, on a daily basis. It's my work horse pen. Its finish is dull, the plating is trashed, and I love everything about it.
If you want a durable finish. Go CA. There are PLENTY of forum, and info in the library to help you with that style of finish. I like Shellawax, but to use it is to accept its flaws.
I don't sell pens with a Shellawax finish. But then again, I don't sell many pens at all.
Hope that helps.
JP