How To Carve an Eye! (Knife-Carving Lesson)

[@martinwhitter8366]

Best video I've watched, i have learned so much from this video, so glad i stumbled across you.

[@Makdaddy-q4y]

One of the best eye tutorials I've come across in my carving journey. Thanks

[@PrimatePrime]

Since I’m a beginner, I’ve viewed several demonstrations of carving the eye. This is the best so far. Very clear, closeup view of the process, including how to deal with wood grain. Thank you for taking the time to make this. It has been a great help.

[@cherylbrach4794]

It is rare that I look for something and find exactly what I was looking for. Good Job!!

[@Makdaddy-q4y]

6 years after the video comes out and you still answer posts. Good onya

[@reneericci2412]

Incredibly helpful! Thank you for the detailed explanation of wood grain and carving away from what you want to protect; that way of thinking really clicked for me. This is a great lesson for any woodworker. Cheers!

[@Apodictic1]

Not sure why this video does not come up in the search engine when searching for wood carving. Found this link on face Book Whittling and wood carving. Your articulation in mastering of the English language is profound. Your instructions on dealing with wood grain and how to make your cuts is enlightening. Would you please create more wood carving tutorials? I am sure they would greatly be appreciated by all. Thanks, Mr. Burchill for sharing your knowledge.

[@DoubleDowner]

Best carving vid on YT

[@janeirvine8391]

I've been watching every eye carving video I could find. Yours is not only the least complicated, but it's the most informative. I'm new to this art form, so I wanted as much information as possible before buying tools and supplies. I'm interested in knowing what is most needed when starting out. Thank you for posting this! Blessings, Health, Prosperity and Peace to you and yours and to all who read this! 👍😘😇💖

[@jimstuart3373]

This was such a great video for me as a beginner! I've never seen a more detailed explanation of wood grain and my failed attempts now come to light as to why. Just getting into doing eyes on my carvings and this tutorial (knife only) in MHO was excellent. Thanks so much. PS: The closeup views are so great!!

[@NMranchhand]

That was quite a fine instruction. Among eye-specific videos, yours has the fullest explanation of how to actually manage the grain by planning and technique to avoid breakage, and the only one I’ve watch showing a recovery. Thanks a lot.

[@Wayne03878]

you said it so well

[@Sernaabq]

Best eye video I have seen.

[@EivinSukoi]

After carving my humpback whale’s lazy eye , this video will help me from now on . Thanks

[@willyg7394]

Geahk, you are an excellent teacher!!! What makes this lesson so useful is how did not edit out the mistakes, but left them in to demonstrate how to correct them. Rather than immediately start carving the eye, you set the foundation of what’s involved by showing us how to approach the handling of wood fiber. Your demonstration of that is the best I have seen! Your verbal presentation is to the point, concise and clearly understandable. Your videography is well done. Thank you so much!!! I learned a LOT that I will use for years to come!!!

[@syndicationnation6042]

I've been looking for just this tutorial. I've been having trouble creating eyes on my caricatures and this explained what I'm doing wrong perfectly! Thank you!

[@scottanderson2581]

I was really struggling with carving eyes. Followed this and I’ve just carved my best eye so far. This video is the best I’ve found that explains how to carve an eye that and you explain directional cutting very well. Gets a thumbs up from me. Thank you Geahk

[@GeahkBurchill]

Scott Anderson I’m so happy to hear that!

[@scottanderson2581]

Geahk Burchill you should do more carving tutorials I’ve not found many that explain as well as you do.

[@GeahkBurchill]

Scott Anderson I’m planning on doing a whole series on marionette building, start to finish, but the last six months have really been getting in the way. I haven’t uploaded a video this year because of it.

[@pubbets7290]

Very nice explanation. You’re a natural teacher.

[@briannagorman3119]

My initial teacher was not as thorough and easy to understand as you have demonstrated and described. Thanks for the clarification that I was lacking

[@Makdaddy-q4y]

I love the dremel fix too.

[@danielpopadic4314]

I studied woodcarving 4 years in school , but after few years in job ,i lost my passion, this video inspires me ,ignite the artcraft in wood again when i seem to find no joy hanging outside with people or watching movies...

[@marioladia7391]

So helpful. Thank you for the carving details. 😊

[@ohblimey21]

Geahk. This is excellent. The close up quality of your actions is better than any other woodcarvering offering on YT. What about doing similar on nose/mouth/ears etc? Thanks for posting by the way.

[@pacificgoldsmith285]

Thank You!!! This was a great explanation of the process and what to avoid...this has been a mystery for a simple-minded person like myself. You have opened up a whole area of understanding the characteristics of wood. Now all I need is a tutorial on how to duplicate the mirror image of the eye that I am carving...thank you.

[@GeahkBurchill]

I recommend starting with calipers. Draw a centerline, then create a right angle which is the center of the pupils. Use the cross created by the intersection of the two lines as a fixed point to measure from using calipers. From there you can plot the corners of the eye and center of the pupil. Once you have those three points the rest should be relatively simple. Keep re-charting those points as you carve to stay on target. 😄

[@ronaldainaire7086]

Great demonstration learned a lot! Thanks for sharing.

[@nonoonfire165]

Thanks man you helped me get my wood carving merit badge

[@GeahkBurchill]

Really?! That’s great to hear!

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Thanks for the reply, the fibres i pretty much understand, it was more about the cuts, the lines, angles and shapes, I was missing a point or two, and not carving where I should have been, which in turn ment i was not putting enough into it, ie, eye lids, hollowing out and eye brow lines. I will get there, when i get back into my shed, ( man cave ) I will be having another crack at it. Thanks again. Les.

[@davidsmock8235]

I agree with Dan Van Antwerp! This is the best eye carving video! I have been trying to find one exactly like this. You give great instruction and show great angles clearly.

[@FRANKMANGIAPANE]

Once in a Jon Nelson class I told him I had difficulty carving eyes, he said, “ Carve a lot of eyes”.Good advice!

[@Just4KeigA]

Actually the demonstration about the wood grain, the system how it works and how to deal with it was already a huge help for me. And aside of it i know how an eye is made too !

[@tbrew8222]

I started to watch this last night and was interrupted by life. I only saw the intro up to the appearance of the (warren blade?) knife. I can tell just from the starting with grain and cellulose, that this is going to be a good and legitimate lesson. I never dis many figures pr faces, so I wanted to watch a few on the typical problem areas. All of wich involve having to cut shapes against grains. For beginners, it is likely as much a sharpness issue as it is technique. Cutting against "uphill" grain doesnt work well unless you're sharp enough to be leaving a shiny cut. Now, Im back and ready to check out his techniques.

[@tbrew8222]

My main take aways are that I need to angle out (away) more in my fragile areas. Also that I need to use the pyramids more often for strategic depth reveal. If Im not doing decorative chip carving, I tend to forget that cut keeps me planned rather than just rooting around like a doodle drawing. Good lesson

[@geeblaze984]

That's a nice sharp knife 👍🏾👍🏾

[@shoeshow1999]

I've looked at a lot of carving videos but none explained directional cutting. Your skill with that knife is like a surgeon. If I ever learn how to sharpen a knife I would love to try carving. Thanks so much for your excellent video.

[@GeahkBurchill]

One of these days I’ll make a video on sharpening. It takes some finesse but it’s not that hard.

[@shoeshow1999]

@@GeahkBurchill That would be great. I've tried leather and an electric motor leather with no luck. I'm going to try sandpaper next. God Bless

[@GeahkBurchill]

@@shoeshow1999 I recommend a diamond whetstone to start, with plain water as a lubricant. Leather stropping is for when you’ve already tuned up the blade and it’s as sharp as you can get on the stone. The main thing to remember is to prevent the cheek of the blade from rounding, which is what happens if you try to do too much of the honing work with a soft material like leather. Diamond is a nice flat surface for those cheeks.

[@shoeshow1999]

@@GeahkBurchill Geahk you are so kind in sharing this information with me. I will give this a try. Happy carving.

[@JerryStringhamJR]

I enjoyed your film it helped me quite a bit I Carve with Chainsaw, so now I need to translate that into the saw thank you very much keep it up don’t quit wanna see more.

[@darrelljensen1216]

Kudos !! You truly are a natural born teacher my friend; not many artists are . The editing and camera work are conmendable and your grasp of vocabulary a pleasant surprise ! Also this is the first tutorial I've seen ( and I've seen many thru the years) where the artist uses my favorite kife ! Eyes ,ears , and hands are a challenge in caving but yoh do know what you are doing . Myself , I keep practicing . This "pan-damn-it" has been long enough to stifle posative creativity

[@GeahkBurchill]

Good to hear you liked the video. I have a whole series coming of at least 12 videos. I've already shot about 112GB of footage for it which is gonna take some time to edit. I will definitely be covering eyes again, as well as ears and hands. I hope you're subscribed for when those finally come out. Also, three hurrahs for Warren Cutlery's LD2 blade! (Also my fav)

[@elainev.thomas4259]

Beautiful Work 💯thanks for Sharing 🌠

[@timleaning6695]

My wife bought me a razors edge kit for xmas. Blade looks same and on warrens site they have same set. Now I know they work and any failure is my own. :)

[@vibesmom]

This is extremely helpful and the level of detail I’ve been looking for. Wood grain is not always so straight forward, especially when working with fallen wood. I have to just keep practicing, but seeing how the wood reacts up close like this is helpful. Thank you!

[@jimbates3557]

Wow ! Awesome instructions, I will attempt your technique...

[@philywilly1262]

Fantastic video! You explaian this so well. Muchos gracias 🤟🤟

[@woody1380]

Thanks Geahk I learned so much from this tutorial and now know why I mess up so often.

[@valenders6353]

Boy! Great instruction. Thank you. We could sure use that video on how to create the eye socket! Would be a big help to new carvers.

[@GeahkBurchill]

I’m working on a series now which includes step-by-step instructions on all parts of carving a marionette. However, because I’m filming it all at once, it’ll take a while to get to the eye as I have several videos ahead of it to edit first.

[@valenders6353]

@@GeahkBurchill thanks for your reply. I’m sure it will be helpful no matter when it gets posted. Enjoyed the eye video and it was very informative. 😀👍

[@RustyFender1]

Great lesson, I'm just starting to carve, this is VERY helpfull. Thank You!

[@GeahkBurchill]

Excellent! Great to hear.

[@bobrenda1618]

I agree that our teaching on this seems very thorough. The close ups are good. I can almost draw the fingerprint of some of your fingers from the vid. here’s a thought. To get those curved cuts you have to hold the knife a certain way using your hands and arms a particular way. Some shots of how those cuts are done would be helpful. Also, carving in basswood is one thing. I’m wondering if some of the wood fragility is less of a problem with other woods like maple. I have been carving a little guy in sassafras and at times the same problem exists. If you forget for a second you take away more wood than you meant to.

[@martincole5959]

Very good tutorial. Thank you so much.

[@bobkrause0103]

Great video. Great teacher

[@rodforcier3661]

Great explanation! I always do best when I understand the process. Any chance of a video showing how you create your eye sockets? Thanks, Rod

[@GeahkBurchill]

Rod Forcier, yes, I have a whole slew of videos on the way. 2020 was a big setback, but I finally have a studio again and editing help, so things will get back on track soon.

[@jimhobson9268]

Outstanding video.

[@a.c.m.3312]

Thank you very much indeed.

[@laurievalkoart]

Excellent, informative video! Thank you so much!

[@davidsmock8235]

I just got to the part where the fibers tore and you had to remake the bottom eyelid. Thanks so much for leaving that in and showing how to fix it! :)

[@GeahkBurchill]

It's SOOO important for teachers to show mistakes. Mistakes are a big part of the learning process and understanding that they don't mean starting over makes carving less intimidating.

[@craigryan4266]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@koenvandaele8673]

Thanks ever so much for sharing your artwork and techniques, Geahk. I have just received your poster with plans for making marionettes, and I hope I’ll succeed in making some. I have a multidisciplinary background, just like yourself, and I fully agree that it all comes together in puppetry. Long live the arts, and authentic artists like you, K

[@GeahkBurchill]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for helping continue the art of marionette making. If you have any questions about the poster I’m happy to answer them. I’m also working on a book which will contain significantly more detail that I hope to have published before the end of this year.

[@koenvandaele8673]

@@GeahkBurchill The pleasure is all mine, and I will definitely keep an eye open when your book comes out. Good luck with the fundraising and thanks for your help. I'm still in an early stage of discovering the anatomy of a marionette, but, yes, I might have some questions later. Best wishes, K

[@bobkwila4594]

That is extremely helpful. Thank you

[@totobill22]

Merci Monsieur pour ce tutoriel bien utile !

[@jefffawver3389]

Beautiful Great job Thank you for sharing this information helped a lot great video.

[@Tombok]

Thank you so much! You helped me, a Romanian thank you!

[@georgekerr904]

Yes it will

[@user-md2wd2rz9f]

Музыка похожа на группу Кино, Виктор Цой 'Спокойная ночь"

[@thegeordieweatherman8460]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@RobPeters-Beeldighout]

This video popped in my recomendations. I think i can use these tip in my chainsaw carvings aswell. Thank for sharing. I subscribed to your channel

[@GeahkBurchill]

Yes, they are universal, regardless of scale! Good luck!

[@davidpcoupal1569]

Very helpful video thank you

[@asefefarhadi4372]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@jerryrice1611]

Very good video, I like your explanations as you go.

[@steneslore5826]

Great video thanks for this, very helpful

[@asefefarhadi4372]

Amazing 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@oddmanification]

Great video! thank you for sharing it with us. Very nice knife

[@radar536]

Great video, well expalined.

[@TJPisano151]

Awesome tutorial !!!

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

Wow! Real craftsmanship right here! This is tight! 😃😃😃

[@GeahkBurchill]

Nathyn Brendan Masters thanks!

[@SemoreLucky777]

Cool cool I can dig it

[@timleaning6695]

Excellent Thanks very much.

[@susannadistefano7457]

Grazie sei stato utilissimo e bravissimo 👏 💪👍👍👍🤩

[@muqllidagah9336]

Super ! 👍🙏

[@darrelljensen1216]

Whoops , hit the wrong key Wanted to finish by saying that your mention of marionettes just lit me up to go back and create some miniatures again ! Thank you Do not often subscribe but I just did 😎

[@GeahkBurchill]

Good to have you on board!

[@germainrioux945]

very good video

[@dxproductions11]

Awesome video this really helps

[@linus031961]

Very nice tutorial. I would like to know what kind of knife are you using. Thanks

[@mwarner1968]

I compliment you on your carving, but I’m really impressed with your camera work. You show the cuts so well, did you have one of you eyes replaced with a camera?

[@lesliecrowther7004]

Very interesting and informative, I have tried a few eyes but never seemed to get it quite right :-( But having watched the video i will have another go with a different outlook and better idea of what I am doing :-)) Many thanks. Les.

[@GeahkBurchill]

It’s all about understanding the fibers! If you can manage to control how the fibers become disturbed you will be okay.

[@chefrenetheriault]

Incredible carving what is the word you're using what kind of knife are using especially love the mistake you made and read it thank you very much

[@GeahkBurchill]

Rene G Theriault the knife I use is made by Warren Cutlery and is very affordable. Link has been added to the description under the video.

[@dylanjj]

Thanks, very helpful!

[@rosaluzalvareznunez3006]

gracias exelente explicacion

[@bethysbarn]

Perfect! 🥰❤️💕 thank you! Xxx

[@Zaghora]

Well done ❤

[@hashemfjoo]

Great job…You have a Nice Sharp knife. Where I can buy and the wood.I bought wood from Temu very hard wood.

[@timcollingwood6158]

Hi thanks for the information Best Regards Tim

[@cemel5160]

super¡ gracias por compartir. podrás hacer un video de como unir la cabeza de una marioneta al cuerpo? saludos.

[@GeahkBurchill]

Gracias por tu comentario. Sí, haré una serie completa sobre cómo construir una marioneta de principio a fin. Puede pasar un tiempo antes de que pueda colocar la cabeza.

[@markdmaker3173]

Nice video, well done. New subscriber

[@andrewgward7]

Awesome! I've been avoiding eyes on my carvings, now I don't have to! I was also wondering where you got the knife used in this video?

[@GeahkBurchill]

Thank you. The knife is made by Warren Cutlery and the blade is their LD2 blade. The handle and blade are around $26usd on their website. I’ve been using them for 20 years and I highly recommend them.

[@andrewgward7]

@@GeahkBurchill Thank you!

[@Wayne03878]

I teach wood carving and would love to use your video because it explains the structure of the wood so beautifully. Also it can be more easily seen up on a screen. Do I have your permission? Wayne in New Hampshire

[@GeahkBurchill]

Wayne03878 yes, go ahead. As I learn more about animation I plan to continue adding videos which explicate these properties better. Particularly as I talk about carving hands later this year.

[@Wooderella]

❤❤❤

[@pablolynch1152]

I liked and subscribed to your channel, can you save that eye without a dremel?

[@GeahkBurchill]

Yes, absolutely. I used a Dremel for convenience but a sharp X-Acto blade could have done just as well.

[@macyardartgrill2672]

Can add something? Its important to use the knife at the angle to cut not just push through the wood. Like cutting a rope you wouldnt just push it through you would angle the knife so it cuts as you pull. The goal is to slice the fibers not chop them. Chopping works to remove material but cutting allows you to control it and not rip and or pull out the fibers. Hope this makes sense. God bless and thank you again ❤.

[@bkreep]

Jeauxk!

[@loiseauvesperal1743]

what kind of tool did he use to carve the center of the eye? 🤔 what it's name

[@GeahkBurchill]

L'oiseau Vesperal it’s a Dremel. Hand-held rotary tool. A little like a dentist’s drill.

[@loiseauvesperal1743]

@@GeahkBurchill oh that's very interesting never see this in my country 🤔 which brands can i buy/ are the most interesting? thanks for your answer

[@GeahkBurchill]

L'oiseau Vesperal A common alternative is made by Ryobi. There is also a more powerful, more expensive tool called a Foredom, which is operated with a foot pedal. Even if you can’t find a Dremel, a search for it by name in your country should reveal other brands that make similar tools. If you are a crafter and woodworker, I HIGHLY recommend getting a rotary tool. I believe it’s an essential tool for makers.

[@tobywestfall2970]

Grain is built up in layers as the tree grows

[@svejdam7106]

Hi, thank you for your youtube channel, I am a wood carver and I am starting carving (learning) marionettes. Your pattern looks very helpful, I am going to buy it very soon. I have one question, I have not seen any flying marionettes I mean e.g. birds, dragons, butterlflies etc. Do you think it is very complicated to make them ?

[@GeahkBurchill]

Martin Svejda Flying marionettes can be complicated. I’m currently building a dragon. The main challenge is making the wings fold convincingly. I will certainly create patterns and videos while I create this puppet, for other puppet makers to use.

[@svejdam7106]

@@GeahkBurchill Thanks for the answer, and I am happy that you are building a dragon. I am looking forward to watching your next videos! Take care!

[@timleaning6695]

Very informative Thank you.

[@chickfamilyink]

Hey man, great tutorial! What is that knife you are using? I want one.

[@GeahkBurchill]

Warren Cutlery makes it. It’s the only knife I ever use. Inexpensive but you can keep sharpening the blade. The blade itself is the LD2, which is about $5. The walnut handle is about $21. In my whole career of carving I haven’t replaced the blade more than a half dozen times.

[@chickfamilyink]

@@GeahkBurchill Thanks man, they have a pretty good and simple website. I bought one and mentioned you sent me.

[@GeahkBurchill]

Very cool. I’m not sponsored but maybe they will after they see some videos.

[@ronnieburdette925]

Geahk, What kind of wood is that.

[@GeahkBurchill]

Ronnie Burdette Basswood, otherwise known as Linden

[@osmanerinc7316]

In fakt is too easy some things coms hurt to me. Just technique is. Sory my English my some wrong. Thanks for shering, salute from Turkey 🖐️ I'll follew you 👍

[@SreenisArt]

Thank you .. really you supported me. I subscribed you..

[@reneericci2412]

I keep catching myself blowing on my phone screen to clear the debris 😂