Anisotropic mechanical shear bolt

A method of performing an operation downhole, comprising:

• coupling a downhole tool to a string via a release device, the release device comprising a bolt having a longitudinal bolt axis aligned with a radial axis of the downhole tool, the bolt comprising a first shank and a second shank separated along the longitudinal bolt axis by a shear region including the shear member therein, the shear member including a cylindrical body having a member axis oriented within a transverse plane of the bolt and aligned with the longitudinal axis of the string, the cylindrical body coupled to a first gap surface of the first shank at a first location along a circumferential side of the cylindrical body and to a second gap surface of the second shank at a second location along the circumferential side of the cylindrical body diametrically opposite the first location, wherein the shear member has a first shear axis that has a first shear resistance and a second shear axis having a second shear resistance less than the first shear resistance, wherein the first shear axis is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the string and the second shear axis is aligned with a circumferential axis of the string;
• conveying the string through a borehole to place the downhole tool at a selected location of the borehole;
• securing the downhole tool within the borehole;
• and
• rotating the string to release the release device.