A recoil starter has a starter case provided around a starter shaft. A one-way clutch mechanism is formed between one end of the starter shaft and an engine. A reel is mounted rotatably on the starter shaft and a rope is wound in a groove of the reel. A first spiral spring has its ends fixed respectively to the starter case and reel and urges the reel in the direction in which the rope is taken up. A second spiral spring has its ends fixed respectively to the reel and transmits a rotational force of the reel to the starter shaft when the rope is drawn out. The peak load at the engine starting time is absorbed in the second spiral spring.