Our First FANCON 2026 Ukraine: An Experience We’ll Never Forget

When we decided to participate in FANCON, we honestly had no idea what to expect. It was our very first festival as exhibitors, which meant we had to learn almost everything from scratch. We spent weeks researching, watching videos from previous events, gathering ideas, and planning every detail of our stand.

Our goal was simple: bring a piece of the Viking world into the festival hall.

We focused heavily on visuals and atmosphere. Wood, leather, furs, blacksmithing elements, handcrafted displays, and of course – lots of axes. We wanted visitors to feel like they had stepped into a Viking workshop rather than a regular convention booth. Looking back, all those hours of preparation were absolutely worth it.

The Blades of Chaos Steal the Show

As if dozens of axes weren't enough, we decided to bring something special.

For the very first time, we publicly showcased the prototype version of our Blades of Chaos! While they're still a work in progress, we wanted to share them with the community and hear people's reactions firsthand.

The reaction to the Chaos Blades exceeded all our expectations...

People were genuinely excited to finally see them in person. The first thing most visitors noticed was their weight – these are not lightweight props. Many confidently stepped up to lift them, only to discover that wielding a pair of massive blades is harder than it looks.

And yes, they are sharp.

In fact, the very first blood they drew wasn't from any monster or god... but from a few of our own team members during development and preparation. We guess that officially qualifies them as real weapons now.

Jokes aside, seeing people's reactions made all the effort worthwhile. Visitors would stop, stare, call over their friends, take photos, and spend minutes examining every detail. Some couldn't resist posing with them, while others immediately started discussing where they would display them at home.

Watching that excitement firsthand reminded us exactly why we rushed to finish the prototypes in time for FanCon. Moments like those make every late night in the workshop worth it.

Alongside the blades, our 12 kg Mjolnir Hammer quickly became one of the most photographed items at the entire stand. Visitors constantly gathered around it, taking photos and attempting the ultimate challenge – lifting the hammer to see whether they were worthy.

And we're proud to report that most visitors turned out to be worthy!

Word spread surprisingly fast throughout the festival, and before long, people were showing up specifically to test themselves against our 12 kg Thor's Hammer. Some were convinced we had secretly glued it to the table or hidden powerful magnets inside the stand. Others simply refused to believe it was actually that heavy.

The only way to find out was to try it themselves – and to the delight of many brave challengers, most managed to lift it and prove their worth.

The Best Part: The People

Without a doubt, the most memorable part of FanCon was the people.

Everyone we met was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely excited to be there. We had the opportunity to meet many new faces, but also something even more special – customers who had previously purchased our products online.

For a company that usually communicates through screens and shipping boxes, meeting customers in person was an amazing experience!

We were also blown away by the costumes and cosplay. The creativity, attention to detail, and passion on display throughout the festival were incredible. We found ourselves constantly stopping to take photos and admire the work people had put into their characters.

Perhaps most importantly, FanCon gave us a chance to hear honest feedback in real time. Watching someone pick up one of our axes, feeling its weight, and immediately sharing their thoughts taught us more than any online review ever could.

Looking Toward the Future

Even though nearly a month has passed since FanCon, we're still riding the excitement from those two unforgettable days. We're grateful for the opportunity to become a part of this amazing event! 

For AncientSmithy, this event was much more than a festival. It was proof that there's a passionate community that shares our love for craftsmanship, history, fantasy, and handcrafted creations.

It was also an important first step toward a larger dream. We hope that one day we'll bring AncientSmithy to conventions and festivals far beyond Ukraine, sharing our work with enthusiasts around the world.

To everyone who visited our stand, supported us, took a photo, lifted the hammer, held an axe, or simply stopped by to say hello – thank you.

And as always, we'll keep forging, creating, and finding new ways to surprise you.