Hello Charles,
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I wouldn't put lacquer ANYwhere. Lacquer may have a short term reward, but in the long term it will not do anything but diminish the value and likely the beauty.
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The optional lacquer on the silver (inlay or next to the blade) is just for protecting it during the etching; it is to be carefully removed after finishing the blade. Shellac is a bit more forgiving and only needs ethanol as the solvent. Modern lacquer on wood/etc. is indeed a bad idea.
I agree that the (limited) protection is usually not worth the effort and hassle (if you know what you're doing and can work fast).
Regards,
Kai