Yep, I use the soft ones for all sorts. Right now I’m looking at one that is holding cotton wool balls, a big ferro and an Opinel saw. I have another that holds little gadgets and key ring stuff that I’ve been given and never remember that I own when I could use them! It sits at the bottom of my rucksack.
They make very good pocket protectors for small tools.
I too have some sprung hard cases but cannot think of a use for them - I don’t even keep my specs in one.