Giant Bear Chainsaw Carving: 16 Steps That Turned One Log Into a 20 Million View Bear

A giant bear chainsaw carving starts as nothing more than a plain log lying in a backyard. Then a man with a saw, a steady hand and a lot of patience walks up to it, and a few hours later a life size bear is looking back at you. That is exactly what happened in a video by the carver behind the YouTube channel Vlad Carving, and more than 20 million people have watched it so far. There is something about seeing a rough log turn into a friendly bear with fur, claws and a little open mouth that makes people stop scrolling. Below, we walk through each stage of the build, step by step, and then share three small bear projects you can try at your own kitchen table, no chainsaw needed..

Meet Vlad Carving, the Man Behind the Giant Bear Chainsaw Carving

Vlad Carving is a YouTube channel run by a wood carver who calls carving his hobby and his passion. In August 2020 he posted REAL SIZE WOODEN BEAR, amazing chainsaw wood carving, and it took off. Today the video has more than 20 million views and over 140,000 likes. There is no fancy studio and no big crew, just a log, a few saws and a man who clearly loves what he does. Ready to see how one log became a bear..

You will need: One big log, a chainsaw, a smaller carving saw, a torch, wire brushes, wood oil and full safety gear.

How to make it: 1. Watch the whole video once just to enjoy it. 2. Watch it again and notice when he changes tools. 3. Use the steps below as your guide to what is happening on screen.

Step 1: Picking the Right Log

Every great carving starts with a good log, and a giant bear chainsaw carving needs a big one. Carvers look for wood that is thick, straight and free of big cracks, because a split in the wrong place can take off an ear or a paw. A tall round log like this gives enough room for the head, the body and a solid base for the bear to stand on. Softer woods such as pine, cedar and linden are popular because they cut cleanly and hold detail. Would you have guessed that choosing the log is half the battle?

You will need: A sound, straight log with no deep cracks, a measuring tape and a carpenter crayon.

How to make it: 1. Check the log for splits, rot and hidden nails. 2. Measure the height and mark where the base and head will sit. 3. Stand the log upright on firm, level ground.

Step 2: Sketching the Bear on the Wood

Before the saw comes out, a quick sketch on the log helps the carver see the bear inside it. Simple lines mark where the head ends, where the shoulders start and where the front paws will rest. It does not need to be pretty, because most of these lines will be cut away within minutes. Many carvers also keep a small photo or toy bear nearby to check the shape as they go. Do you like to plan a project first, or do you just dive in?

You will need: A thick marker or crayon, a reference photo of a bear and a peeled or smooth log.

How to make it: 1. Draw a center line from top to bottom. 2. Sketch the head, shoulders, belly and paws around that line. 3. Step back and check the sizes before you cut.

Step 3: Blocking Out the Head and Shoulders

The first cuts are big and bold. With a full size chainsaw, the carver slices away large chunks of wood to separate the head from the shoulders. At this point the bear looks more like a stack of boxes than an animal, and that is perfectly normal, because every giant bear chainsaw carving starts this way. Getting the main shapes right now makes every later detail easier. This stage throws wood chips everywhere, which is why carvers wear chaps, a helmet with a face screen, ear protection and gloves. Could you picture the bear yet at this point?

You will need: A full size chainsaw, chainsaw chaps, a helmet with face screen, ear protection and gloves.

How to make it: 1. Cut a notch where the neck will be. 2. Remove the big corners to round the head. 3. Trim the shoulders back so the head sits forward.

Step 4: Roughing Out the Giant Bear Chainsaw Carving Body

Once the head is blocked in, the carver moves down the log and shapes the body. The belly gets rounded, the legs are separated and the base is left wide and heavy so the bear will stand steady for years. These cuts are still chunky, but now you can clearly see a bear standing on its back legs. It is a good moment to walk around the log and check it from every side. Have you ever noticed how carvers keep stepping back to look?

You will need: A full size chainsaw, safety gear and plenty of room to walk around the log.

How to make it: 1. Round the belly and back with long, smooth passes. 2. Cut gaps between the legs and arms. 3. Leave a thick base and check the shape from all sides.

Step 5: Switching to a Smaller Bar for the Face

Big saws are great for big cuts, but a bear face needs a gentler touch. Carvers switch to a small carving saw with a narrow nose that can reach into tight spots. With it they shape the eye sockets, the bridge of the nose and the cheeks. This is where the bear starts to get a personality, whether sleepy, happy or curious. Only trained, experienced carvers should use these tools, and the rest of us can enjoy the show. Which kind of bear face do you like best?

You will need: A small carving chainsaw with a narrow nose, safety gear and a steady work stand.

How to make it: 1. Mark the eyes and nose with the crayon. 2. Use short, light cuts to sink the eye sockets. 3. Shape the snout so it stands forward from the face.

Step 6: Ears, Snout, Teeth and Tongue

Now the tiny details come in. Rounded ears are cut on top of the head, the snout gets a little nose tip and the mouth is opened just enough to show carved teeth and a tongue. These small touches are what make people say the bear looks alive. Carvers often switch between the small saw, hand chisels and rotary tools for this part. It is slow work, and the video shows how much patience it takes. Which detail would you carve first, the ears or the smile?

You will need: A small carving saw, a few hand chisels, a rotary tool with carving bits and safety glasses.

How to make it: 1. Shape two rounded ears on top of the head. 2. Open the mouth slowly with small cuts. 3. Carve simple teeth and a tongue, then soften the edges.

Step 7: Fur Texture That Makes the Giant Bear Chainsaw Carving Look Alive

Smooth wood looks like a statue, but fur strokes make it look like a real animal. Carvers use the tip of the saw or a rotary tool to cut hundreds of short grooves that follow the way fur grows. The strokes flow down from the head, around the shoulders and along the legs. This garden bear in Scotland shows how much life that simple texture adds. If you try it on a small carving, follow the curves of the body. Do you notice the fur first when you see a carved bear?

You will need: The tip of a carving saw or a rotary tool, a pencil for guide lines and safety glasses.

How to make it: 1. Draw light arrows to show which way the fur flows. 2. Cut short, overlapping grooves along those arrows. 3. Vary the length so it looks natural.

Step 8: Carving the Claws and Paws

Paws are tricky because they need to look strong but still clearly be paws. The carver shapes each foot, then cuts five curved claws on every paw. Getting the claws to curve the same way takes careful, slow cuts. On a standing bear the front paws often rest near the chest, which also protects them from getting knocked off later. Little details like these are what viewers pause the video to look at. Would you carve the claws long and fierce or short and cute?

You will need: A small carving saw or rotary tool, a chisel and a pencil.

How to make it: 1. Shape the paw as a rounded block. 2. Mark five evenly spaced claws. 3. Carve each claw with a gentle curve and smooth the tips.

Step 9: A Torch for Depth and Shadow

Here is a trick that surprises a lot of first time viewers. Carvers often use a torch to lightly toast the surface of the wood. The deep fur grooves turn dark brown while the raised parts stay lighter, which makes every stroke stand out. It is the same idea as shading in a drawing. This step is only for experienced carvers working outdoors, away from anything that can catch fire, with an extinguisher and water close by. Did you expect fire to be part of a wood carving?

You will need: A handheld torch used only by an experienced adult, a fire extinguisher, a bucket of water and a clear outdoor space.

How to make it: 1. Clear the area and keep the extinguisher within reach. 2. Pass the flame lightly and evenly over the carving. 3. Let the wood cool completely before touching it.

Step 10: Brushing Off the Char

After toasting, the bear looks very dark, almost black in places. Next comes a stiff brush to remove the loose char from the surface. The brushing reveals golden highlights on the raised fur while the grooves stay dark, and suddenly the whole bear has depth and warmth. It is one of the most satisfying parts of the video to watch. A softer brush then sweeps away the dust. Would you leave your bear darker or brush it back to a lighter gold?

You will need: A stiff wire or nylon brush, a soft bristle brush, a dust mask and safety glasses.

How to make it: 1. Brush with the grain to lift the loose char. 2. Brush harder on raised areas for brighter highlights. 3. Sweep off all dust with the soft brush.

Step 11: Oil, Sealer and the Big Reveal

The last step protects the bear from sun and rain. A coat of wood oil or outdoor sealer soaks into the grain and makes the colors glow amber. Carvers often add a second coat once the first one dries. Then comes the moment everyone waits for, when the finished giant bear chainsaw carving stands tall in the yard looking ready to guard the house. Many outdoor carvings need a fresh coat once a year to stay healthy. Where would you put a bear like this?

You will need: Outdoor wood oil or clear sealer, a wide paintbrush, gloves and rags.

How to make it: 1. Make sure the carving is clean and dry. 2. Brush on a generous coat of oil and wipe off the extra. 3. Add a second coat after it dries and recoat each year.

Why Every Giant Bear Chainsaw Carving Feels Like an Old Friend

Wooden bears have been a favorite for a very long time. In Brienz, Switzerland, a town famous for its woodcarving tradition, carved bears sit on benches and greet visitors, like this one that seems to be saving you a seat. Bears feel strong and cozy at the same time, which may be why so many people want one by the front door or in the garden. If you love woodworking stories, you might also enjoy our look at Harrison Ford carpenter days. Would a bear on a bench make you smile?

You will need: A little time to visit local craft fairs, parks or carving shows near you.

How to make it: 1. Look up carving events or festivals in your area. 2. Take photos of the bears you like for ideas. 3. Notice how each carver gives the face a different mood.

Try It: Whittle a Small Bear Before a Giant Bear Chainsaw Carving

You do not need a chainsaw to make your own bear. A small block of soft basswood or pine and a whittling knife are all it takes to start. Begin with a simple sitting bear about the size of your hand, using the same order the pros use: big shapes first, details last. A cut resistant glove and a thumb guard keep your fingers safe, and kids should only whittle with an adult right beside them. Could this be your new cozy evening hobby?

You will need: A small basswood or pine block, a whittling knife, a cut resistant glove, a thumb guard and a pencil.

How to make it: 1. Draw a simple sitting bear on the block. 2. Carve away the corners to rough out the head and body. 3. Add ears, a snout and a few fur lines, then sand lightly.

Try It: Carve Fur Texture With a Hand Gouge

Want to practice fur strokes without carving a whole animal? Grab a scrap block of wood and a small V or U shaped gouge. Push the tool away from your body in short strokes, and watch how quickly a plain block starts to look furry. It is a calm, simple way to learn how fur flows before you try it on a real figure. An adult should help younger crafters and clamp the wood so it cannot slide. How many strokes do you think it takes to fill one block?

You will need: A scrap block of soft wood, a small V or U gouge, a clamp, a pencil and gloves.

How to make it: 1. Clamp the block to the table. 2. Draw curving guide lines for the fur. 3. Cut short strokes along each line, always pushing away from your hands.

Try It: A Woodburned Bear on a Wood Slice

If carving is not your thing, woodburning gives you that same toasted look with a pen. Pyrography artists use a hot tip to draw fur one stroke at a time, just like this detailed lion. Trace a simple bear outline onto a smooth wood slice, then burn in short fur lines and a dark nose. Work slowly, rest the hot pen in its stand and keep it away from kids. Hang it on a ribbon and you have a rustic gift. Who would you make one for?

You will need: A smooth wood slice, a woodburning pen with a stand, a pencil, transfer paper and a ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Trace a bear outline onto the wood slice. 2. Burn the outline, then fill in short fur strokes. 3. Darken the nose and eyes, let it cool and add a ribbon to hang.