SOFT MAGNETIC IRON

Provided is a technique that can achieve both magnetic properties and machinability by cutting at a high level, which has been impossible with only the conventional techniques of improving the machinability by cutting using MnS or the like. A soft magnetic iron comprises a chemical composition containing, in mass%, C: 0.02 % or less, Si: 0.15 % or less, Mn: 0.01 % or more and 0.50 % or less, P: 0.002 % or more and 0.020 % or less, S: 0.001 % or more and 0.050 % or less, Al: 0.05 % or less, N: 0.0100 % or less, and Se: 0.001 % or more and 0.30 % or less, with a balance consisting of iron and inevitable impurities.