Spanish Machete Sword?

[Unclebob]

I've had this large knife/small sword for a little while now, but I've only just added the end of the grip, which was missing. I fabricated this from oak, but painted it black to match the other part of the grip, which is a type of resin?
The blade has ....... REFINADO stamped into it, which I believe is Spanish for REFINED, as in 'Refined Steel or Iron'?
The blade is 18 1/2" and the knife is 23" overall.

[fernando]

There is a faded word before REFINADO; perhaps ACERO (steel) ? certainly not HIERRO (iron) ...

[Fernando K]

Hello

I think it's a machete used by the Spanish cavalry in the war in Cuba

Affectionately. Fernando K

[Unclebob]

Thanks guys. yes, looks to be ACERO (definitely ERO at the end)
I'll have to look up the Cuban War!