George, what kind of honing jig are you using? I find it hard to picture a chisel that is too thick for a Veritas plane iron jig, for example, which is what we use in the shop.
You are welcome to bring it by some time and I can take a look at it.
Or yes, honing it freehand is always an option. If you use a grinder first, it is pretty easy to feel the bevel accurately.
Tim Moore
571-282-9644