Slab Contrasted Karo 2 is a bold, very narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Handmade Roman JNL' by Jeff Levine, 'Lehmann Egyptian' by ParaType, 'Ganges Slab' by ROHH, and 'Hackensack' by Typodermic (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, signage, mastheads, western, poster, vintage, sturdy, assertive, space-saving impact, vintage display, poster utility, signage clarity, slabbed, condensed, bracketed, wedge serifs, ink-trap feel.
A condensed slab-serif with heavy vertical emphasis and tightly packed proportions. Strokes show noticeable contrast, with thick stems paired with thinner connecting strokes and compact crossbars. The serifs are bold and blocky with slight bracketing and a subtly flared, wedge-like finish that gives terminals a carved, print-era feel. Counters are relatively small and apertures are restrained, producing a dark, authoritative texture in text while maintaining crisp, upright alignment.
Best suited to headlines, posters, mastheads, and branding where a compact width and strong typographic punch are needed. It can work well on labels and packaging that benefit from a vintage or Western-leaning voice, and in signage where condensed forms help fit more characters without losing impact.
The overall tone feels rugged and old-fashioned, evoking woodtype posters and utilitarian signage. Its condensed, high-impact rhythm reads as confident and attention-grabbing, with a faintly industrial and frontier-like character.
The design appears intended to deliver a bold, space-saving slab-serif voice with a classic print-poster sensibility. Its condensed structure and pronounced slabs prioritize visibility and character over neutrality, making it a natural choice for display typography.
The sample text shows strong headline presence and a consistent vertical cadence, especially in sequences of capitals. Curved letters retain firm shoulders and squared-off endings, helping the design stay punchy rather than soft. Numerals share the same condensed, weighty construction for display-forward consistency.