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.
On September 28, 1941, the enactment introduced the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords alongside the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds. By December 29, 1944, the final grade, the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Golden Oak Leaves, Swords, and Diamonds, became the authorized variant.