Patent ID: 7798256

Claim:
A fixed cutter drill bit for drilling through unconsolidated, highly abrasive formations, the drill bit comprising: a bit body having a longitudinal axis, a cutting face, and a side portion, the bit body comprising carbide matrix material; a plurality of blades azimuthally spaced about the cutting face; a plurality of cutters disposed along the blades; and at least one gage pad disposed along a side of the bit body, the at least one gage pad comprising a plurality of wear resistant elements at least partially embedded in the gage pad, wherein each of the plurality of wear resistant elements includes a rounded surface and is formed of a material more wear resistant than matrix material forming a portion of the gage pad; wherein the at least one gage pad has a substantially continuous leading edge extending the length of the gage pad; and wherein the rounded surfaces of the plurality of wear resistant elements are aligned to form a substantially continuously rounded wear-resistant leading edge on the gage pad.