Thanks. I spent some hours researching options since posting this.
Of course I don't carry and ride (insert other disclaimers here) but a buddy I know uses a pocket holster in his tank bag. In case of a get-off, he doesn't want anything on his body except armor. Too much risk in getting something caught by rocks, roots, tree branches, vehicle parts, and Lord knows what else.
Give up on the pocket knife? All my textile riding jackets have an inside, chest high on the left side, zippered pocket where one could possibly place a ruger LC9S in a skinny pocket holster. These are JOE ROCKET, and FIRST GEAR jackets.
^This. All my riding jackets have the inside chest pocket that holds my little LCP nicely. A few have front side pockets that are large enough, I sometimes use them, if I want my phone in the innner pocket. I'm not concerned about the guns placement in the jacket, as the gun can't fire on impact, and it basically is like wearing armor there. If something is going to hit my chest hard enough to puncture my rib cage, I think the pistol would be of more help than if nothing was there.
My Kahr CM9 fits very nicely in the left outer chest pocket on my Darien jacket. I do have a concern about breaking ribs with the gun being smashed inward in a get-off, but I suppose the ribs could break even without a gun there. My philosophy is that I'll take my chances of injury because I'm not willing to go unarmed.
