This weapon is really good so long as you use a primer so you don't need to ruin its pure slash.

[Carnis Mandible] & [Buzz Kill] seem really good but aren't worth it because mods that boost specific damage types are not factored into actual bleed damage. Crits are though, which is why we run [Gladiator Might] instead. [Gladiator Might] gives us a t3 crit multiplier of x14.5 instead of the x10.7 without and also ensures we always get at least t3 crits with a small chance at that t4 with a x19 multiplier.

Smite mods are factored twice for bleeds. Once on the initial hit, and again for the bleed damage itself.

[Primed Fury] is better than [Berserker Fury] because while Blade & Whip is good at building combo it feels horrible to do it in slow motion while you have no damage built up.

If you really want [Primed Reach] drop [Gladiator Might] for it, or run a frame with an attack speed boost and drop [Primed Fury] for it.

[Discipline's Merit] & [Dreamer's Wrath] are both solid choices. Use the one you like more.

Melee Animosity is literally the only melee arcane that both works with this weapon and doesn't fuck up the build. Thankfully the effect is pretty good too.