I'm trying to hone my Mach III razor-blade, but I want to create the best possible system. I'd love your advice and help guys.

This is what I have right now --> Reddit Question - Imgur

Its a strip of leather on recycled redwood with chromium oxide powder & wood glue.

Here are my thoughts -->

Is there a particular type of leather that'd be best?

Do you think that chromium oxide is the best powder I can use? The goal here is that I want to get myself the best life on my Mach III, so I'm willing to spend the money to have an awesome shave.

What are your thoughts with balsa instead of leather?

Also, here's the process I'm using now. I'd love any and all advice !
1) Casing
2) Wetting
3) Drying
4) Rolling
5) Drying again

Then, I glue it to the redwood and its good to go.

Do you have any tips on the best process to go through? Any tricks with any of the steps?

I would really love any and all information you could share with me. Thanks so much !!!