Slab Contrasted Ihbu 16 is a bold, normal width, low contrast, italic, normal x-height font visually similar to 'FS Silas Slab' by Fontsmith, 'Egyptian Slate' by Monotype, and 'LFT Etica Sheriff' by TypeTogether (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, editorial, posters, packaging, branding, confident, retro, warm, rugged, strong emphasis, vintage tone, headline impact, print texture, sturdy readability, bracketed, robust, slanted, ink-trap hint, lively.
A robust italic serif with slab-like, bracketed terminals and a firm, print-forward texture. Strokes are heavy and mostly even, with modest modulation that shows up in curved joins and a few thinner connections. The slant is pronounced, and counters stay fairly open despite the weight, giving letters a steady rhythm in text. Serifs read as sturdy blocks rather than hairlines, and many joins have slightly carved or notched transitions that add bite and help separate shapes at smaller sizes.
This face works best where an italic needs to carry the message—editorial headlines, pull quotes, cover lines, posters, and brand marks that want a bold, vintage-leaning voice. It can also serve short bursts of text such as subheads, labels, and packaging copy where a strong, gritty emphasis is desirable.
The tone feels assertive and workmanlike, with a vintage editorial flavor. Its strong italic angle and chunky serifs create a sense of motion and emphasis, while the sturdy construction keeps it grounded and dependable. Overall it suggests classic print, posters, and energetic headlines rather than quiet, neutral body copy.
The design appears intended to deliver emphatic italic typography with the stability of slab-like serifs, balancing strong presence with practical readability. Its detailing suggests a goal of maintaining separation and rhythm under heavy weight, producing a distinctive, print-classic character suited to display and editorial contexts.
Uppercase forms are wide and weighty with pronounced slab terminals, while lowercase maintains a compact, readable structure with a clear, single-storey a and g. Numerals are similarly hefty and aligned to the same energetic slant, supporting consistent emphasis across mixed text.