[elcid1970]

Do you have to be Grand Pooh-Bah to wear the cape & sword?

[Buckeye McFrog]

They all wear capes and swords on certain occasions (though I think there are differences in color that indicate some sort of rank).

[chimera]

Fourth Degree Knights wear the fancy duds. If you want to be in an honor guard (such as if the Bishop visits your parish, or you have special services like a funeral for a brother Knight) you wear the cape and sword and Chapeau. Fourth Degree initiates wear a tux.

The Knights are not a secret organization. The themes are Charity, Unity, and Fraternity for degrees 1-3. 4th degree is patriotism. All enfold aspects of Christian Faith in these themes.