The enactment  of 28 September 1941 introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords and the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords and Diamonds. At the end of 1944 the final grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, based on the enactment  of 29 December 1944, became the final variant of the Knight's Cross authorized.
The enactment on September 28, 1941 introduced two versions of the Knight's Cross: one with Oak Leaves and Swords, and another with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. By December 29, 1944, the final version, featuring Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, became authorized.