FYI, I worked at a plant manufacturing nails.
The thick, hardened wire came from the steel mill on a coil, similar to a spool of thread.
With heat and lube, the wire was straightened, head and point formed.
Heat and pressure will do amazing things!
I had a career in chip-making beginning in 1967. Some of my handiwork is on the Voyager Space Craft that has completely left our solar system.(And...will still be travelling long after I'm gone)