would something like this be good to start on?

I just got into whittling and I started with beavercrafts spoon carving kit. The knives are pretty great and cheap but I bought a flex cut hook knife that just blew beavercraft out of the water. Looking back I think I would’ve been better off spending more up front to get a higher quality knife.

the set I got

the hook knife I bought later

set I wish I bought

something like this?

Rasps are really not what a beginner woodcarver/whittler needs. I would suggest something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0792BXHBD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Many brands have identical offerings. Best to you.