If you're going to do stock removal and send them out for H/T then it really doesn't matter. Peters will do an excellent job on whatever you send them. However, since you are a newbie I suggest that you stay away from the high Vanadium steels until your grinding skills improve.
Having said all that, you can't go wrong with 1084 for a carbon steel and AEB-L for a stainless. Both are cheap, easy to grind, and make excellent knives when ground and H/T'd properly.
Good luck, have fun, & be sure to post some pics.