A method for making a drill bit, including forming a bit body with an outer surface, forming a cutter pocket in the bit body, forming a dam about the cutter pocket that is proud of the surface, hardfacing the bit body to a depth not exceeding a height of the dam. A drill bit, including a bit body having an outer surface, a cutter pocket defined in the bit body, and a dam disposed about the cutter pocket and proud of the outer surface.

A drill bit having a central axis can comprise a shank defining an inner bore and a crown having a cutting face. The crown can define an outer operative circumference. The crown can comprise a core-receiving slot in communication with the inner bore of the shank. One or more peripheral slots can be in communication with the inner bore of the shank. The crown can comprise one or more face channels that are in communication with the core-receiving slot and a respective peripheral slot. A base portion can be positioned within the core-receiving slot. The base portion can define a breaking surface. The peripheral slots can be configured to receive fluid moving in a distal direction toward the cutting face of the crown. The face channels can be configured to deliver fluid from the respective peripheral slot to the core-receiving slot.

A drill bit having a central axis can comprise a shank defining an inner bore and a crown having a cutting face. The crown can define an outer operative circumference. The crown can comprise a core-receiving slot in communication with the inner bore of the shank. One or more peripheral slots can be in communication with the inner bore of the shank. The crown can comprise one or more face channels that are in communication with the core-receiving slot and a respective peripheral slot. A base portion can be positioned within the core-receiving slot. The base portion can define a breaking surface. The peripheral slots can be configured to receive fluid moving in a distal direction toward the cutting face of the crown. The face channels can be configured to deliver fluid from the respective peripheral slot to the core-receiving slot.

A drill bit having a central axis can comprise a shank defining an inner bore and a crown having a cutting face. The crown can define an outer operative circumference. The crown can comprise a core-receiving slot in communication with the inner bore of the shank. One or more peripheral slots can be in communication with the inner bore of the shank. The crown can comprise one or more face channels that are in communication with the core-receiving slot and a respective peripheral slot. A base portion can be positioned within the core-receiving slot. The base portion can define a breaking surface. The peripheral slots can be configured to receive fluid moving in a distal direction toward the cutting face of the crown. The face channels can be configured to deliver fluid from the respective peripheral slot to the core-receiving slot.

A drill bit having a central axis can comprise a shank defining an inner bore and a crown having a cutting face. The crown can define an outer operative circumference. The crown can comprise a core-receiving slot in communication with the inner bore of the shank. One or more peripheral slots can be in communication with the inner bore of the shank. The crown can comprise one or more face channels that are in communication with the core-receiving slot and a respective peripheral slot. A base portion can be positioned within the core-receiving slot. The base portion can define a breaking surface. The peripheral slots can be configured to receive fluid moving in a distal direction toward the cutting face of the crown. The face channels can be configured to deliver fluid from the respective peripheral slot to the core-receiving slot.