Competitive Landscape
Mining Smithing Stone 1 requires the most effort, but grants the most quantity. Buying them from merchants offers convenience but is the most expensive option. Killing miners is the most dangerous method but can yield large amounts quickly.
Value Proposition
Mining from outcrops is free, but time-consuming and yields less than other methods. Purchasing from merchants is fast and easy, but expensive and limited in quantity. Defeating miners is dangerous and requires strong combat skills, but can be more time-efficient than mining.
Alternative Methods
An alternative to buying Smithing Stone 1 is to use Whetstones for temporary upgrades. However, Whetstones are less effective and disappear after a few uses, making them a less viable long-term solution for improving weapons.