You can get any of the Nortons in 1 flavor instead of combo, though I don't know if howard sells them.
They are cheaper as well.

I have a 1/4 and a 4/8, and I sometimes use both alongside each other if I'mm doing small pyramids.
That way I don't have to flip over the stone and recreate a slurry everytime I change grit.

I know it's not a big deal, but I am unlikely to ever hone my way through the 1K side anyway, so the additional 4K side sometimes comes in handy.