Abstract: A rotary drag bit for drilling a subterranean formation includes a plurality of support elements affixed to the bit body, each forming at least a portion of a cutting element pocket. Each of a plurality of cutting elements has a substantially cylindrical body and is at least partially disposed within a cutter pocket. At least a portion of the substantially cylindrical body of each cutting element is directly secured to at least a portion of a substantially arcuate surface of the bit body. At least a portion of a substantially planar surface of each cutting element matingly engages at least a portion of a substantially planar surface of a support element.

Abstract: A steel body rotary drag bit for drilling a subterranean formation includes a plurality of support elements affixed to the bit body, each forming at least a portion of a cutting element pocket. Each of a plurality of cutting elements has a substantially cylindrical body and is at least partially disposed within a cutter pocket. At least a portion of the substantially cylindrical body of each cutting element is directly secured to at least a portion of a substantially arcuate surface of the bit body. At least a portion of a substantially planar surface of each cutting element matingly engages at least a portion of a substantially planar surface of a support element.

Abstract: A cutting element retention apparatus wherein a support element forms at least a portion of the cutting element pocket is disclosed. A steel body rotary drill bit carrying at least one generally cylindrical cutting element within a cutting element pocket wherein a support element forms at least a portion of the cutting element pocket is also disclosed. A support element may form at least the substantially planar surface of the cutting element pocket configured to matingly engage at least a portion of a substantially planar surface of a generally cylindrical cutting element distal to the cutting face thereof. Alternatively, a support element may form substantially the entire cutting element pocket. The support element may be press-fit, shrink-fit, brazed, welded, or otherwise affixed within the steel body rotary drill bit. Methods of manufacture and repair of steel body rotary drill bits are also disclosed.