Abstract: A drill bit for cutting a hole in a formation can have a longitudinal axis extending along a center of the drill bit. The drill bit can comprise a crown comprising at least one crown portion having a cutting face. A plurality of wear-resistant members can be embedded in the crown of the drill bit, wherein at least one wear-resistant member of the plurality of wear-resistant members extends to within 0.1 inches of the cutting face of the at least one crown portion.

Abstract: A method includes advancing a drill bit into a formation to form core sample pieces. The drill bit has a central axis and includes a crown defining an inner operative circumference. The crown is configured to form a core sample. A core receiving space is configured to receive the core sample as the drill bit is advanced into the formation. A base surface is spaced from the cutting face along the central axis of the drill bit. The base surface is configured to break apart portions of the core sample to form core sample pieces. The method can further include associating the core sample pieces with respective depths at which the core sample pieces were separated from the formation.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a first and a second body received within the first body. Each of the first body and second body has a respective crown, each crown having an inner and an outer operative circumference. The outer operative circumference of the second body and the inner operative circumference of the first body can define a first volume that can receive a tubular core sample. The second body can define a break surface that breaks the tubular core sample into core pieces. The drill bit can be employed in a borehole with a reverse circulation system that pumps fluid around an outer surface of the bit, and returning fluid can carry the core pieces out of the borehole.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a first and a second body received within the first body. Each of the first body and second body has a respective crown, each crown having an inner and an outer operative circumference. The outer operative circumference of the second body and the inner operative circumference of the first body can define a first volume that can receive a tubular core sample. The second body can define a break surface that breaks the tubular core sample into core pieces. The drill bit can be employed in a borehole with a reverse circulation system that pumps fluid around an outer surface of the bit, and returning fluid can carry the core pieces out of the borehole.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a first and a second body received within the first body. Each of the first body and second body has a respective crown, each crown having an inner and an outer operative circumference. The outer operative circumference of the second body and the inner operative circumference of the first body can define a first volume that can receive a tubular core sample. The second body can define a break surface that breaks the tubular core sample into core pieces. The drill bit can be employed in a borehole with a reverse circulation system that pumps fluid around an outer surface of the bit, and returning fluid can carry the core pieces out of the borehole.