You can easily mod the Nikana/Zaw for your own liking.

I've made my [Helios]'s Deconstructor into a Primer, I wend with Gas and Electricity, because of its natural AOE capabilities, to apply as much status as possible, this helps my Condition Overload to do even more damage, I also put on 2 Gladiator mods for the added 20% CC per combo Multiplier, for a total of 90% CC per combo Multiplier.

Blood Rush and Gladiator at 12x combo count.
370% Crit Chance
Arcane Avenger activated.
558% Crit Chance

If no Riven, I would go with Toxic mod, because i use the Arcane Strike on my Frame.

This is a part of my kit, build for a maximized melee experiences, works with every Frames.
Primary.
Stick
Secondary.
Punish Marker
Campanion.
Amazing Support
Campanion Weapon.
Support Primer