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Why NASA Astronauts, US Special Forces Members, and Sony Are Buying Axes From a Ukrainian

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Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
Handcrafted replica of the Leviathan Axe from God of War: Ragnarök, forged by Ukrainian brand Ancient Smithy. (Source: Forbes Ukraine)
Handcrafted replica of the Leviathan Axe from God of War: Ragnarök, forged by Ukrainian brand Ancient Smithy. (Source: Forbes Ukraine)

The Ukrainian company Ancient Smithy has grown from a small workshop into a global brand selling handcrafted axes and hammers valued at $1.5 million annually, according to Forbes Ukraine.

Founded in 2017 by Mykhailo Peresunko, the company designs collectible weapons and tools inspired by mythology, fantasy, and gaming culture.

One of its most recognizable products is a real-life replica of the Leviathan Axe — the primary weapon used by the character Kratos in God of War: Ragnarök, a best-selling PlayStation game developed by Santa Monica Studio.

Multiple forged Leviathan Axes from God of War: Ragnarök on a production rack at Ancient Smithy’s Ukrainian workshop. (Source: Ancient Smithy)
Multiple forged Leviathan Axes from God of War: Ragnarök on a production rack at Ancient Smithy’s Ukrainian workshop. (Source: Ancient Smithy)

In the game, Kratos wields the ice-infused axe during his battles across the Nine Realms of Norse mythology. Known for its weight, detail, and elemental powers in the game, the Leviathan Axe has become an iconic item among fans.

Ancient Smithy’s handcrafted version is forged from metal and wood in Ukraine and closely follows the in-game design, making it a popular collector’s item among gamers, YouTubers, and even science influencers.

Handcrafted replica of Thor’s Mjölnir from God of War: Ragnarök, featuring glowing blue runes and intricate Norse-style braiding on the handle. (Source: Ancient Smithy)
Handcrafted replica of Thor’s Mjölnir from God of War: Ragnarök, featuring glowing blue runes and intricate Norse-style braiding on the handle. (Source: Ancient Smithy)

Ancient Smithy produces all its items in Ukraine but sells primarily abroad, with nearly half of its monthly orders placed through its own website. According to Forbes Ukraine, the brand now fulfills between 700 and 1,300 orders each month, reaching customers in North America, Europe, and Asia.

A video by American science YouTuber Kyle Hill showcasing the brand’s replica of Kratos’s axe went viral, gathering more than 600,000 views and tripling sales of that specific model within weeks. Among the company’s buyers are members of US special forces, a NASA astronaut, and representatives of Sony PlayStation, Forbes Ukraine reported.

A Kratos cosplayer poses with a replica Leviathan Axe in a city street, replicating the look of the main character from God of War: Ragnarök. (Photo: Open source)
A Kratos cosplayer poses with a replica Leviathan Axe in a city street, replicating the look of the main character from God of War: Ragnarök. (Photo: Open source)

The brand’s success on international marketplaces has been built through attention to product authenticity and niche marketing. Each piece is handmade, merging functionality with artistic design. According to Peresunko, global recognition came not only from craftsmanship but also from consistent engagement with fans of gaming and fantasy culture online.

Ancient Smithy continues to expand on major e-commerce platforms while maintaining in-house production in Ukraine. Its founder notes that scaling responsibly without losing the brand’s artisanal identity remains a priority as international demand continues to rise.

Earlier, on March 26, Forbes reported that Ukrainian healthy snack brand Bob Snail expanded into the US, UK, and Canadian markets, following a 30% revenue increase in 2024. The Vinnytsia-based company now exports to 39 countries and offers 187 products, including fruit rolls, jellies, and baby purees.

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