Serif Normal Ohkum 3 is a bold, narrow, medium contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Spirits' by Latinotype (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: book text, editorial, headlines, packaging, posters, traditional, authoritative, bookish, formal, text emphasis, classic readability, space economy, editorial tone, print tradition, bracketed, compact, ink-trap hints, crisp, vertical stress.
This serif shows compact proportions with sturdy stems and a clear vertical rhythm. Serifs are bracketed and slightly flared, with pointed, wedge-like terminals appearing on several forms, giving edges a crisp, chiseled finish rather than a soft, rounded one. Curves are firmly controlled and moderately modulated, with a subtle vertical stress visible in rounds like O and C. Counters are relatively tight and the overall fit feels economical, creating a dense texture that holds together well in paragraphs. Numerals are similarly compact and weighty, matching the text color of the letters and maintaining consistent alignment and presence.
It works well for book and long-form editorial typography where a solid, coherent texture is desired, especially in print. The compact build and strong presence also suit headlines, pull quotes, and packaging or labeling that benefits from a classic, authoritative voice.
The overall tone is traditional and confident, leaning toward classic print typography with an editorial seriousness. Its compact, weighty texture suggests authority and focus, suitable for content meant to feel established and dependable rather than playful or experimental.
The design appears intended to deliver a conventional, readable serif with a firm, compact footprint and crisp terminals, balancing traditional letterforms with enough edge definition to remain punchy in dense settings. It aims for dependable text performance while retaining a slightly engraved character that helps it stand out in editorial applications.
Distinctive wedge terminals and slightly tapered strokes add a mildly calligraphic, engraved flavor without becoming ornate. The shapes keep strong internal consistency across cases, and the compact spacing contributes to a darker, more emphatic page color at text sizes.