Another option is what I do to some of my EDC pocket gear. I will wrap (or whip if you prefer) it with string. Got in to the habit on many boring ‘stakes’ in my younger days. I don’t like grip tape because eventually it will pull off on the corners. I use braided nylon mason’s string. I have had it on some of my flashlights and canoe paddles over 30 years in some cases.
https://www.paracordplanet.com/blog/wrap-it-all-the-25-best-paracord-handle-wraps/
Otherwise anything from 3M will be of high quality with good ‘sticky stuff’. Look on McMaster dot com (mcmaster Carr) for the good stuff in small quantities.
I have done a fishtail on an inexpensive scale-less fixed blade, and like it. My only concern for this project is that I need the belt clips on all of these EDC tools to still function in order to attach them to the Pocket Shield, and the wrap would get in the way (the belt clips attach at /near the top of each tool.) The rod wrap looks thinner, thx! And thx for the reminder about McMaster, a good source!