"I so enjoy discussions like these," she said, wielding a bloody axe.
Have to admit, I do like the "ready, twitching" addition.
I think you’re right.
“In her hand” is probably not needed.
Good call!
Maybe...
“...artfully wielding...”
or
“...tentatively wielding...”
or
“...gleefully wielding...”
or
“...comically wielding...”
(just kidding!!!)