Warning! Newb post to follow:

Yup, it does seem weird, that big jump from 1k to 4k, but it's pretty much the standard when using synthetic hones on razors. It seems that the semi-standard progression is 1k, 4k, 8k. That's pretty much where the "semi-standard" ends. After the 8k, some guys go to a Coticule, others will go to a 12k Chinese, 16k Shapton, or one of those Japanese naturals I can't pronounce or spell.

Note that the 1k is generally only used if you need to set a bevel on a blade.