Abstract: A hard metal insert for a drill bit is disclosed having an outer body and an encapsulated inner body. The particle size and the chemical composition of the outer body and the inner body are such that the outer body is harder and more wear resistant than the inner body and the inner body is tougher than but not as hard as the outer body. The dimension of the outer body is approximately of equal thickness to the inner body at the cutting surface of the insert to ensure maintaining even wear.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a hard metal insert adapted to be installed on the face of a cutting tool, each insert comprising inner and outer bodies having particles of carbide or other highly abrasive material sintered in a binder of cobalt or other less abrasive, but tougher metal, and having wear surfaces of their outer ends configured to form a tip on the outer end of the inner body, and wherein the particle size and/or chemical composition of the bodies are such that the inner body is harder, but less tough, than the outer body.