Abstract: A cutting element for drilling holes is disclosed which consists of five cutting edges which are comprised of polycrystalline diamond or the like mounted to a central carbide substrate or similar hard material held by a rotatable shaft which can be inserted into a drilling machine. The polycrystalline material is unsupported with respect to torsional forces exerted upon it during drilling. An advantage of this cutting member is its ability to cut straight new holes in hard or abrasive materials for substantially longer periods of time than presently available rotary drills.