Hi Simon,
The Veritas is the one fo me. Lie Nielsen look good and work equally as well, but its a matter of functionality over asthetics. As has been pointed out, the lateral adjustment and fine Norris style adjuster is far superior to the simple fine threaded adjuster of the L-N in my opinion.
I'd also consider an apron plane though. Veritas and L-N make them, but again, the Veritas has the upperhand for me, as it has the same adjustments as before, only lacking the adjustable mouth, as does the L-N.
I find the apron planes far more tactile than a standard 91/2 or 601/2 block, although if I ws doing wider end grain tweaking on worktops for example, I'd likely use one of these, or more likely, a no4 or 41/2 bench plane, using the traditional circular motion planing to minimise breakout, and working from either end if possible.
If it's just for general arrising or fine tuning fits on doors and such though, the apron plane is a really superb tool for the job, it sits so beautifully in the hand, whether Veritas or L-N.
Anyway, another consideration.
For me, as a freehand honer, the lateral adjustment allows a quick touch up on a stone and back to work. With the fixed Lie Nielsen adjuster, there is a little lateral movement that has to be adjusted manually, not with a dedicated adjuster, but not a huge amount. This means if I freehand the iron and get a bit too carried away and sharpen the edge out of square, getting a uniform shaving is a little more time consuming. I suppose this is where the honing guide comes into its own, although I prefer to leave these for 'proper' square to the sole planes such as shoulder planes and the like, which is when I would reach for one. If I'm out on site, such as your brother in law will be, a quick freehand tickle on a stone is is more likely than a full on workshop sharpening set up.
Hope this helps rather than confuses!
Andy
