Thanks guys. I've seen most of these options, but what I'm really after are some longer bits such that you essentially end up with something more akin to a standard screwdriver and not a 1" bit in a handle. Very much like the Wera link in my OP, or the PB Swiss set posted above (except they couldn't be used in stubby handles), but with longer blades and everything from square drive to security Torx. Is it not out there?
Here is some Chinesium on Amazon on the right track:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0827KJ8B2/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For longer bits I might recommend some of the German 6mm hex shank drivers.
These use 6mm hex profiled, long(maybe 6”), bits, which nowadays usually have bit tips machined into both ends.
The 6mm hex long bits seem to have been a standard at some point in Germany and some other parts of Europe.
Wiha used to manufacture the bits as their “System 6” or “System VI” screwdrivers.
Wiha still sort of manufactures the System 6 system, although they niw call it the “Driv-Loc” or “Driv-Loc 6” system. It still uses 6mm hex shank bits, bit the hex shanks now have dimples pressed into the sides, which allow the bits to be locked into the Wiha handles at different depths, in case you need a shorter screwdriver.
The Wiha bits will still usually fit in 6mm blade handles from other manufacturers, although the dimples can cause a bit of friction.
Wiha manufactures the handles in a rubberized handle, an ESD handle, and a hard “microfinish” handle, that gives grip if the handle gets oil on it.
Wiha also manufactures a ratcheting pistol grip handle that can be used with the Driv-Loc 6 bits with an adapter.
Wera also manufactures the 6mm drive blades, also double ended, although without the dimple system.
Wera calls their 6mm blade system the “Vario”.
They manufacture the handles in their usual dual material, rubber insert design, and in an ESB design, although I don’t think those are rubberized.
Wera also offers a 6mm/Vario straight ratchet handle(which I think may be made by the same Taiwan? Manufacturer that makes ratcheting handles for Bahco and maybe Facom)
Wera also manufactures a 1/4” square socket driver blade for the vario system, and a locking 1/4” insert bit holder, in case you need a wider tip bit like a wide flat head, or want to use deep 1/4” sockets
Wiha used to offer a 1/4” socket blade for the older undimpled System 6, but ghey may have discontinued it, at least in the USA, when they switched to the dimpled blades.
Wiha also manufactures a 1/4” drive, non locking, magnetic, insert bit holder, which is dently skinny, and they have nice blade extenders in case you occasionally need a really long screwdriver.
Wera I believe also offers blade extenders, but I’m not sure the design is as good.
There were other European manufacturers that used the 6mm blade system.
I believe Schroeder/Schroder the company known fir manufacturing Ratcheting screwdrivers or at least the mechanism, for some major German tool manufacturers, as well as “Yankee” screwdrivers( they bought the Yankee trademark from Stanley) also may manufacture a 6mm system, but I’m not certain.
USAG tools of Italy used to manufacture a 6mm system, but changed over to a 1/4” system.
Wiha also manufactures a 4mm hex shank drive system which they call the “System 4”.
If you need small “jewelers” size screwdrivers but still the occasional medium sive bit, this might be good, since a number of manufacturers seem to have decided to use the 4mm hex size for smaller interchangeable bits.
