Ever wonder if those lowball estimates are just a tactic to get you in the door?

Exactly what gibson.mark said, it's all about the heat control. My old boss drilled that into me when I was an apprentice. You can use a grinder, but you have to be so careful. A few seconds too long and you've cooked the edge. Switched to a hand stone for my finishing touches years ago and it made a world of difference. The edge just lasts so much longer. That old guy Bill knew what he was talking about.

Ugh, that's so true! It's not just the big city glow, it's those pinpoint attacks. Like @michael_patel said, one security light can ruin a whole yard. I had a similar fight with a porch light across the street. I finally got up the nerve to talk to the neighbor, and they were cool about using a shield and a warmer bulb. Maybe a friendly chat could help? It's crazy how much we have to plan around these little light bombs.