In the early years of Dowdun Reach, the concept of a mithril greataxe would have been unthinkable. A big, showy weapon that used large quantities of mithril would have been seen as a betrayal. The Children of Shadows, holding a monopoly on mithril, wanted to present it as a rare metal. At best, the richest on Ashenfall might have a brooch or tiara that sparkled with mithril.
Nowadays, Doric can have two greataxes whipped up for you before dinner. Much has changed.