pin brush
There are two types of pin brushes I like -- the best sources of these are Traleigh, # 1 All Systems and Vellus; all three have good deep pins to penetrate a Maltese coat. (see dog shopping & services page to buy these)

combs - small & large greyhound, rat-tail
I use several types of combs; most basic is a Belgium greyhound comb. Avoid the cheap ones and use the good steel ones -- they glide through the hair much better and break less coat. I use both a large and a small one of these as well as having a rattail parting comb from the beauty supply. 

slicker brush
#1 All Systems makes the best slicker brushes I have found. I really like the small one and am particularly fond a triangle shaped one with a pointed nose for getting those difficult places like the underarms. 

scissors
A  pair of 6 inch straight edge scissors made for dogs or human hair cutting is a good basic scissor; you could supplement this with a smaller curved blade pair and a longer blade pair

nail clippers 
There are several varieties of nail clippers but I prefer the guillotine type. 

rubber bands
The rubber bands I use are the small orthodontic types for holding the hair out of the face of the Maltese.

grooming/conditioning spray
a spray bottle can be purchased many different places; place a small amount of conditioner and dilute with water to mist in the coat