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.