Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter performance test apparatus and procedure comprises a plurality of test coupons, preferably fabricated from a pipe wall section of the test subject. The coupons are configured with a height greater than the axial length of the shaped charge device and a width greater than the nine wall thickness. These coupons are secured around a circular perimeter with the width plane radiating from the perimeter and the thickness edges in parallel alignment. The circular perimeter diameter corresponds to the shaped charge diameter. A shaped charge cutter is centrally positioned within the coupon encirclement and discharged. Penetration of the cutter plasma into the coupons is measured directly. In variation, the entire assembly is encased, subjected to hydraulic pressure corresponding to a desired well depth and discharged.