A matrix drill bit and method of manufacturing a matrix bit having back raked cutting elements is disclosed. In one aspect, a matrix drill bit for well drilling includes a matrix bit body that has a front area in a direction of drilling and two or more diamond impregnated cutting blades protruding from the front area of the matrix bit body. The cutting blades each have a front external surface protruding from the front area of the matrix bit body and present a plurality of back raked downhole interface surfaces in the direction of drilling. The downhole interface surfaces span a leading face and a trailing face where the leading face extends to a first height and the trailing face extends to a second height and the first height is greater than the second height.