Abstract: A cutting element, for a rotary drill bit, comprises a tablet having a front face, a rear face and a peripheral edge, at least the front face of the tablet being provided by a layer of superhard material, such as polycrystalline diamond. The peripheral edge of the tablet is formed with one or more re-entrant portions so as to define projecting cutting portions to the sides of the re-entrant portions. The element may be cut from a blank which is initially circular.

Abstract: A cutter assembly, for a rotary drill bit, comprises a generally cylindrical stud to be received in a socket in the surface of the bit body, the stud being formed, adjacent one end thereof, with a plane surface inclined at an angle of less than 90.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the stud, and a preform cutting element mounted on the inclined surface. The dimensions of the cutting element, and its location on the inclined surface, are such that no part of the cutting element projects beyond the peripheral surface of the stud as viewed axially thereof. The cutting element may be so shaped and located that it initially projects beyond the peripheral surface of the stud, the projecting portions subsequently being removed, for example by grinding.