A method for designing a core bit to control and reduce the cutting forces acting on a core of rock is disclosed. The method includes generating a model of a core bit including a plurality of cutting elements on a plurality of blades. The method may additionally include simulating a coring operation with the model of the core bit. The method may further include calculating at least one force vector generated by at least one of the plurality of cutting elements on the model of the core bit during the coring operation. The method may further include determining at least one force acting on a core in the model of the core bit based on the at least one force vector and generating a design of the core bit based on the at least one force acting on the core.