Welcome!
Are you looking at making folders or fixed blade? If folder, then I would think that kit would be a great way to start and learn what the pieces are and what they do without the frustration of having to manufacture the parts and make them fit together.
I'm about a year into this hobby and add handles to premade fixed blades. Not much of a metal smith. Some of the "kits" you get from Rockler or Woodcraft are pretty ok quality. They come with a decent blade, a sheath and some plain metal pins. You provide the handle material, and consumable supplies. Not much of a kit, and the sheaths are nothing special, if you can get them to fit your finished knife.
I would suggest you buy blades and materials from a specialty knife making supplier. There is a handy link at the top of this page ;-).
Jantz, Premium and Thompsons Scandinavian are a few others. Don't by cheap junk off ebay. Been there, done that.
And listen to all the advice of those above. This forum is a great resource and full of helpful people and advice!