i will bet the other 'thing' was probably something like a leatherman.
i have carried one on my belt while flying in africa for the last 4 years, and have needed it on several ocassions.
security here is somewhat slightly more relaxed than in europe.
sometimes i donteven know why they make such a big deal about putting our bags through the x-ray machine when half the time it does not work or they dont even watch the monitor, funny none the less.