Slab Contrasted Pihy 4 is a very bold, wide, low contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Geometric Slabserif 712' and 'Serifa' by Bitstream, 'Goodall' by Colophon Foundry, 'Serifa EF' by Elsner+Flake, 'Equip Slab' by Hoftype, 'Egyptian Slate' and 'Rockwell WGL' by Monotype, and 'Geometric Slabserif 712' by ParaType (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, posters, packaging, sports branding, mastheads, assertive, industrial, retro, editorial, rugged, high impact, print authority, rugged clarity, vintage flavor, slab serif, blocky, heavy, bracketed serifs, ink-trap feel.
This typeface is a heavy slab serif with broad proportions, sturdy verticals, and prominent rectangular serifs that read as slightly bracketed rather than razor-sharp. Counters are compact and apertures tend to be tight, giving the letters a dense, poster-ready texture. Curves in forms like C, G, and S are smooth but strongly weighted, while joins and inner corners show a subtly carved, ink-trap-like treatment that keeps shapes from clogging at bold sizes. The lowercase shows a single-storey a and g, a substantial, footed l, and a stout, utilitarian rhythm; numerals are similarly weighty, with rounded bowls (8, 9) and a sturdy, sign-like 1 and 4.
Best suited to display roles such as headlines, posters, packaging, and mastheads where weight and presence are an advantage. It can also work for short subheads or pull quotes when set with a bit of extra spacing to prevent counters from feeling crowded.
The overall tone is confident and workmanlike, with a classic slab-serif authority that feels at home in vintage print and robust branding. Its mass and compact counters give it an emphatic, no-nonsense voice that can lean collegiate, western, or industrial depending on context.
The design appears intended to deliver maximum impact with a traditional slab-serif backbone, combining strong rectangular serifs and compact, ink-friendly shaping to stay legible and forceful at large sizes.
In text, the heavy serifs and tight internal spaces create a strong horizontal “shelf” effect and a dense color, especially in mixed-case settings. It is most comfortable with generous tracking and leading, where its chunky details and carved joins can stay crisp.