A degradation assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion includes a cemented metal bolster bonded to a tip. The tip comprises a symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip formed of diamond and a cemented metal carbide substrate. The stationary portion comprises a holder configured to be coupled to a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate, or between, and in mechanical contact with both the rotary portion and the stationary portion.