Patent ID: 7802495

Claim:
A method of forming a fixed cutter earth-boring rotary drill bit, the method comprising: providing a bit body comprising: pressing a first powder mixture to provide a first component having a first material composition; pressing a second powder mixture to provide a second component having a second material composition that differs from the first material composition; assembling the first component with the second component; and sintering the first component and the second component to a final density to bond the first component and the second component together and form the bit body; and fixedly attaching a shank to the bit body such that no relative movement is provided between the shank and the bit body during drilling, the shank configured for attachment to a drill string, fixedly attaching the shank to the bit body comprising: positioning at least a portion of an inner surface of the shank circumferentially about a portion of the bit body; inserting a retaining member through a first aperture extending through an outer surface of the shank and through at least one feature of the bit body; and at least partially securing the shank to the bit body using the retaining member.