This is my 2nd purchase of the pyro putty. When I've used it, I've just needed to pinch off a piece, spread it out and place at the base of the kindling and then light with my bic Even a small piece has a burn time of a few minutes- enough time to get even damp kindling started.. the rest is up to you.

Can’t go wrong with #outdoor vitals

Helpful in making fire

I used it back in April this year when I went on an overnight hike. It was getting cold and the hikers were trying to start a fire. I pulled out the pyro putty and only used a very small amount. Well that started up the fire in no time and the hikers were really impressed. We enjoyed drinking hot drinks and enjoyed the fire. I am buying more tins of this stuff.

Sorry, but I had to write this review to dispute the other guy here. Did you throw them in the ocean expecting them to catch fire? Or perhaps you threw them in the fire with the lids on.
Either way, this stuff burns, and burns hot for awhile. My friend and I have taken them to the Washington coast ( a freaking rain forest) and if it wasn't for these no fired would have happened at all. As a member (which is free btw) you can get 2 for 10 bucks... And yeah $5 bucks to use a whole one seems steep, but when you are standing in a puddle it's amazing peace of mind.
Also, why are you throwing these in an already lit fire? Maybe you are using them wrong after all.