Butcher block can easily start thousands of years ago as the first meat cutting station since wood is generally softer than any knives made of metal. I know what you’re thinking, what about fossilized wood, that’s a different website.
When choosing any custom countertop please take your time and consider it wisely. So far my experience with butcher block counter tops are usually good, inexpensive compared to alternatives but have a little more maintenance in their life time as they need frequent resealing with heavy use.
Particularly the ability to alternate stain choices into one table is very desirable.
Alternating Stain countertop table 
This is a mitered corner of a butcher block countertop. Notice the joinery is stepped and not a continuous line 
Further back view of the above countertop
