Multi-material bit blank and related methods

An earth-boring rotary drill bit, comprising:

• a crown comprising a particle-matrix composite material;
• cutting elements joined to an exterior of the crown;
• and
• a bit blank comprising:
• a shank portion comprising a first material, the first material comprising a metal or metal alloy, the shank portion including one or more connection features;
• and
• a bonding portion at least partially embedded in the crown and joined directly to the crown, the bonding portion unitarily formed as a single piece with the shank portion, the bonding portion comprising a second material different than the first material, the second material comprising a metal or metal alloy.

A method for forming an earth-boring rotary drill bit, the method comprising:

• generating a shank portion of a bit blank with a first material, the first material comprising a metal or a metal alloy;
• generating a bonding portion of the bit blank with a second material, the second material comprising a metal or a metal alloy that is different than the first material;
• forming the shank portion and the bonding portion as a single unitary structure;
• forming a crown comprising a particle-matrix composite and bonding the crown directly to the bonding portion of the bit blank with the bonding portion at least partially embedded in the crown;
• and
• affixing cutting elements to the crown,
• wherein the particle-matrix composite comprises a matrix.