You don't need whetstones, you can use lapping film, it's basically fancy sandpaper and not too expensive: https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/lapping-film-try-it.283576/
New blades are either expensive or questionable and you'll need to find someone to hone it if you haven't you're typically better off getting a vintage one from someone with a reputation for putting a good edge on it like this guy https://www.ebay.ca/usr/johnloc1 or /u/roctraitor
Similarly, a simple strop to start out can be inexpensive and if you like it, you can get a nicer one and use this with the paste (which will keep your edge shaving for a while so you can get better at using it to shave before you try your hand at honing): https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-204N-Polishing-Sharpening-Woodcarving/dp/B07WC1M411/
As to your original question, kinda depends what you want from it, I get into it a bit here: https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/hc4vzr/straight_edge_vs_shavette/fve7x3k/
King stones are the best value in Japanese water stones and a big step up from Chinese stones. King Deluxe or KDS are higher quality (harder, faster, bigger) than their budget stones.
King Deluxe 300 splasher for 23$. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0050ADA2U
King KDS 1000/6000 is their "Deluxe" (harder, faster, bigger) combo for 32$: https://smile.amazon.com/Fuji-Merchandise-K-032-STONE-Brown/dp/B0034YR016
$20 strop with clever pyramid angle guide and green compound; same size as Japanese water stones. https://smile.amazon.com/SHARPAL-204N.../dp/B07WC1M411 SHARPAL 204N Leather Strop (Genuine Cowhide) 8" x 3" Kit with 2 Oz. Polishing Compound & Angle Guide...
Pro sharpener uses $1 paver brick for stone lapping and sharpening platform: https://youtu.be/RjF6d3QQ6ho?t=375 Knife Sharpening by Joe at Tower Knives Osaka, Japan. samspunker
I recommend Norton India IB8, if mineral oil is OK; King Deluxe 300 splasher if u prefer water. And a homemade strop or Sharpal strop.
VIDEOS
Chisel on traditional stone-n-strop. Durable Norton India IB8 combo oilstone (8x2x1", 150/400 grit, nonfriable), mineral oil (odorless, food and skin safe), and black emery buffing compound on denim jeans strop is great for knives and tools. https://youtu.be/xlwKYeq909g CHEAP and SIMPLE Sharpening System. Brian Hilson
Sharpening X50 santoku with King Deluxe 300 [hard splasher, >500+ grit finish, green SiC?] and Sharpal 208H green compound on denim jeans strop. https://youtu.be/Exx1gBguy00 Amazon Knife (1.4116 steel) + King Deluxe 300. Quiet Sharpener : The King 300 is the best bang for your buck whetstone out there. It cuts and leaves a finish closer to a 500 grit and it has the bonus of being splash and go. I strongly recommend this stone to someone starting out.
PRODUCTS
SHARPAL 204N Leather Strop (Genuine Cowhide) 8" x 3" Kit with 2 Oz. Green Compound & Angle Guide https://www.amazon.com/SHARPAL-204N.../dp/B07WC1M411
10.5" stone holder. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08B13Z7L8 Whetstone holder Sharpening Stone Base Adjustable 304 Stainless Steel No-Slip Rubber... SCOTTCHEN
DMD 150/400 10 x 2.8" diamond lapping (flattening) and sharpening plate, 2 year warranty. https://amazon.com/DMD-Double-Sided-Sharpening-Whetstone-Professional/dp/B088ZHRYDF