Behead a nail of stubborn steel

Puzzle

Behead a nail of stubborn steel,
A useful lesson to reveal,
In sacred records found;
Behead again, then at your will,
With art and perseverance till
Your grain producing ground.

Hint

Answer

References

• Loyd, Sam [1914]. in Loyd, Sam, Jr.: Sam Loyd's Cyclopedia of 5000 Puzzles Tricks and Conundrums (in English). New York: Lamb Publishing company, page 55.