In a first stage or operation, at least one shear initiation breakthrough opening is formed through the ultra-high strength material sheet at an interior location. A leading terminal end of each of at least two inclined shearing edges of an interior opening shearing tool is positioned in the at least one shear initiation breakthrough opening. The interior opening shearing tool is different from the breakthrough opening forming tool. In a second stage or operation, shearing of the material is initiated from the at least one shear initiation breakthrough opening by advancing the at least two inclined shearing edges of the interior opening shearing tool against the ultra-high strength material sheet and relative to a corresponding shearing tool.

In a first stage or operation, at least one shear initiation breakthrough opening is formed through the ultra-high strength material sheet at an interior location. A leading terminal end of each of at least two inclined shearing edges of an interior opening shearing tool is positioned in the at least one shear initiation breakthrough opening. The interior opening shearing tool is different from the breakthrough opening forming tool. In a second stage or operation, shearing of the material is initiated from the at least one shear initiation breakthrough opening by advancing the at least two inclined shearing edges of the interior opening shearing tool against the ultra-high strength material sheet and relative to a corresponding shearing tool.