Most any of the knifemaking catalogs have full tang blades that are pretty cheap; like $$10 - $30. Just google knifemaking supplies. Great way to start with minimum tools. Just decide if you want to put on a guard or bolsters, or just shape the front of the scales and make sure the pattern you buy will accomodate your planned knife.
Put a set of scales on a full tang blade, then get one of the Helle blades from one of the Trad Gang sponsors and do a stick tang. It's amazing how much you can learn at very little expense.