I keep most things in drawers because I take them out for a project and keep them out while I'm working on it. Some stuff has ended up on the wall because I have no where better to put it, while other stuff is accessible on purpose.
However, I have:
- a Phillips 1 - 3 and a four piece flat-blade set close at hand,
- a pair of combination pliers and needlenose,
- a couple measuring tools (e.g. calipers, small speed square, drill bit depth tool, dividers),
- marking tools (pens, pencils, paint pens, scribes and awls),
- Wd-40 and brake cleaner,
- a propane torch,
- a knife or three,
- center punch,
- adjustable wrench, and
- a couple diamond stones.
That's probably all that is there intentionally - but there's lots of other stuff there incidentally.
I think it might depend on what type of work you're doing (e.g. machining, mechanics or woodworking) and what types of benchtop tools are nearby. My drill press is right beside the tool wall for example, so the center punch, calipers, square, etc get used frequently.
I have a couple diamond stones because I find I'm making quick sharpening adjustments to things somewhat frequently - but nearby in one of the tool boxes I have a lot more sharpening gear, it just doesn't need to be out.
Propane torch is used a lot - but it's out in the open because the shop is heated by a woodstove. First thing I do when I enter usually is use it to fire up the heat.
Gotta have a knife handy to open packages, trim things, etc.
Pliers - often you just need to grab, pull, twist or hold something briefly. It's no big chore to open a drawer to grab a specific pair but having some slip joints or combination pliers in easy reach saves time.