The maker handled the complexities of the steel head and the necessary repairs to the handle wood with great care. This detailed replica of the Leviathan Axe from God of War features a wide steel bearded blade paired with a hooked rear protrusion. The head is mounted to the sculpted, stained wooden haft using metal reinforcement plates secured with visible pins and rivets. The maker took care to remove forging scale using a vinegar bath, wire brushing, and a wire wheel bench grinder before moving to the finishing stages.
The construction is impressive, with the head fitted onto the intricately carved wooden handle. The grip section is covered in a light-colored material, identified as cord or leather, while a section is wrapped in cut leather and torn white cotton cloth strips. Detail stands out in the detailed Norse-style relief carvings near the curved pommel and the lighter carved linear patterns on the handle. The maker also incorporated decorative brass discs glued into recesses using Loctite Epoxy and brass pins.
Beyond the primary materials, the maker employed specific techniques like case hardening the axe head and using hot riveting to fastens the components. The finished steel was polished using a buffing wheel, and the cutting edge received a sharpening with a circular sharpening stone. The completed axe is showcased resting outdoors on a cut log and tree stump, confirming the maker is pleased with the final outcome. The maker is open to making another piece, which leaves the future status of the project open to community discussion.
Project by Bennett The Smith. Watch it on their YouTube channel: