What constitutes an English Best? Ive noticed this adjective has been thrown around lately and was curious what the consensus is. Is it wood, engraving, fit and finish or a combination of the three. What you say, ideas, opinions etc.

For me its fit and finish, solid wood with tight straight grain, not so much figure as Ive seen some real turds with highly figured wood. Good balance. Insides smooth and finished and quality hand fit parts. That would be some of my impressions of a Best.