Reddit mentions of Combination Square

Buy something that he will appreciate, and think of you everytime he uses it. A thing of beauty that will get used on every project.


https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-C33H-12-4R-12-Inch-Combination-Square/dp/B00002254K

New quality hand tools are fairly expensive. It's a niche market nowadays and there's only a few companies that still make hand tools that are worth buying. That being said ~$500 will get you a very decent set of hand tools.
The list of hand tools I'd recommend is;

Layout

• Combination Square - You have two two options here. You can go for something like this which is inexpensive and decent quality. You'll probably find that it will get sloppy and lose accuracy over time but it's a good option to get started. On the other side you can go for a Starrett combination square which is the best money can buy.
  
  
• Bevel Gauge - Brand isn't too important here. Most bevel gauges will be sufficient, just make sure the locking mechanism is easy to use. Avoid the ones with a disk shaped locking mechanism, they're a pain to lock. A bevel gauge shouldn't cost you more than $10.
  
  
• Marking Gauge - In terms of value for money I'd go for the Veritas marking gauge. This is one of the most useful tools when using handtools so it's worth getting something nice to use.
  
  
• Marking Knife - You can either make your own which isn't to hard or buy one. You should be able to get one for around $10. Something like this or this should be okay.
  
  Saws
  
  
• Crosscut Carcass saw - A carcass saw is a good size for general work.It's easily the saw I use the most. It will be a bit slow for ripcuts but it will get you by. A carcass saw can be used to cut most types of joinery such as tenons, dovetails, etc. I think the Veritas saws are great value for money.
  You'll probably want to add a tenon saw and dovetail saw somewhere down the track to cover all your bases. If you wanted to splash out you could go for the set of Veritas backsaws which is good value for money but is a greater outlay.
  
  
• Crosscut panel or hand saw - This is one tool where you might run into a problem buying new. No one makes reasonably priced quality hand saws anymore. You have two options here. You can go for a disposable contractors saw like this one which is cuts well but has a crappy handle. The other option is to buy and restore a vintage saw. Restoring a vintage saw isn't that hard. Theres plenty of guides and resources on the internet about it. Vintage hand saws are pretty cheap, you should be able to get a nice one for $10-$20 if you went that route.
  
  Chisels
  
  
• 1/4" and 1/2" Bevel edge chisels - Narex chisels are very good value for money. I personally wouldn't recommend getting a set. Start out with a 1/4" and 1/2" which are sizes that pretty much everyone will use then add more sizes depending on what you feel like you need.
  
  Planes
  
  
• Jack Plane - For new planes you have three options for brand here; Woodriver, Veritas and Lie Nielsen. Woodriver planes are made in China but are well made and a bit less expensive than the other two brands. Veritas and LN planes are both manufactured in North America and are top quality. By starting out with a jack plane or No. 5 you can cover pretty much any task. It won't excel at everything but it will get you by. A book could be written on exactly what brand and style of plane you should get so I won't go into detail. I would personally go for a Low-Angle Jack from Veritas as it is a very versatile plane,
  
  Drills
  
  
• 10" Brace
  
• 1/4" and 3/8" Auger bits
  
• Eggbeater Drill
  
  Like with hand saws no one makes hand drilling equipment any more. These tools are extremely common on the vintage market though. You should be able to get a brace and a few auger bits for $10-20 and a eggbeater hand drill for a couple of bucks.
  
  
  Misc
  
  
• Mallet - You can make your own or buy one. Style is based on personal preference. I like this type but I see a lot of people using carving style mallets now.
  
  
• Sharpening gear - You can start out with the scary sharp method which has a low outlay compared to other methods such as waterstones or diamond plates. It does have a on going cost so you might want to change to a more long term method later on. Just google "Scary Sharp" and you should find plenty of info.
  
  
• General tools like screwdrivers, hammer, clamps, etc.
  
  There's a million different routes to take when you start out so this advice is by no means the only way to go.