In years past the test that I used the most was taking push cuts off of a 3/4" hemp rope. That was in my JS days, when I was insane about cutting ability. I would place a 2x4 edgewise in a vise, and use it to rest the rope upon....then tape off all but an inch section of a blade and start cutting. When the blade stopped shaving hair, I considered it dull. I won't mention the number of cuts achieved, but lets just say there comes a point when you ask yourself....."how many cuts is enough?" I quit telling people when.... I'd tell them the number of cuts a given blade did, and they would roll their eyes at me.
As far as "standardize" tests.....they don't exist, with the exception of the ABS performance testing. The ABS is the only "knife" organization I am aware of that requires a knife to pass a given set of performance tests. And in reality, those tests are as much about the knowledge and abilities of the Bladesmith, as they are about the knife. For those who choose to take the ABS path, just passing the performance test(s) awards the individual credibility in the area of knife performance.
That being said, the best thing an individual knifemaker can do is develop his/her own testing methods, and hold themselves to a "standard" while seeking to improve along the way. Don't get wrapped up in stabbing steel drums, hacking on cinder blocks and such....that's all hype and hogwash. Think about things that your knives are intended to do, and/or will be doing. The fact of the matter is that in general, even an "average" custom knife will far out perform anything from the commercial side. Its up to the indivdiual knifemaker to continually seek improvement in all aspects of their knives.
Years ago Wayne Goddard taught me something that has served me well....
A Custom Knife MUST:
1. Look Good
2. Feel Good
3. Work Good
The first two things are pretty simply and straightforward, the third ("Work Good") must come from inside the knifemaker, meaning that its not something readily visible, and can only be realized once the knife is placed in a using situation. This is the aspect of a knife that shows whether or not the knifemaker has taken the time and effort to develop and conduct performance tests on their knives...and in short will dictate a knifemakers reputation to many people/clients. My advice is to make each and every knife, from the lowest end utility knife, to the highest end "collector" knife with performance being the most important aspect. Doing so is the difference between a "knifemaker" and someone who makes "knife shaped objects".