http://www.mudhole.com/Rod-Building/Tool-Kits/Rod-Building-Small-Business-Start-Up-Kit
here is the tool kit I got when I first started building rods in December
I also started with a couple CRB ice rods. After the first 2 I them made a HMX ice rod for my dad and he loves it. Light enough to catch bluegills but strong enough to use for walleyes. also built 3 CRB kits for xmas gifts.
Then I ventured on to 6.5 foot MHX rods for soft water and absolutely love mine.
After the first few ice rod builds I contacted St. Croix and got 3 blanks from them one ultra light and 2 medium actions. Haven't made anything out of the medium blanks yet
I would say for your first build to go with a cheap CRB kit from mudhole just to get the feel for it then go to the MHX blanks. From what I have gathered the MHX blanks are made the same way as G. Loomis blanks.
If you have any other questions pm me and I can answer them to the best of my knowledge
I order all of my stuff from mudhole. Best thing to do is order stuff for 3 or 4 rods at a time to save on shipping otherwise the screw you over big time. You can even wait until they have free shipping or flat rate shipping. seems like every few weeks there is one shipping discount or another