Thanks for all the ideas.

In the end I cut the paracord at 45 degrees, slowly melted it with my BIC, and as it cooled kept using my fingertips to keep the point and size small.

Paracord is overkill but I'm using this for flying. If I have to "depart" the airplane I'll have the lanyard around my neck and underneath my clothing.

I'm going to carry the whistle, small BIC lighter, one or two LED lights and some sort to knife. Still not sure about the knife -- the lanyard is starting to get annoying in size.