4th Degree Uniform
In order to join the Honor Guard, Sir Knights must first acquire the official Fourth Degree Uniform and a Knights of Columbus sword. These uniforms became the standard for the order in 2019. While the tuxedo and social baldric are still permitted for Fourth Degree occasions, the new uniform is a requirement for all members of the Honor Guard. The sword remains the same, and vintage swords from earlier eras are also permissible.
More Information on the Etiquette of the Uniform Can Be Found in
The Color Corps Drill Manual of the Fourth Degree
Uniform packages can be bought here:
Knights of Columbus - Uniform Packages
Sword packages can be bought here:
The English Company
A Complete Fourth Degree Uniform Will Include the Following Elements:
Beret
A black beret, worn down to the Sir Knight's right is the appropriate head gear for the Fourth Degree uniform. The beret has replaced the chapeau. The beret should be worn as part of the Color Corps or Honor Guard uniform, but is not necessary for participation in formal Fourth Degree events.
Emblem
Upon the beret, the Sir Knight should wear the metal emblazoned with the emblem of the Fourth Degree. The emblem should be forward facing and above the Sir Knight's left eye. The beret pin can also be used to designate the past service of the Sir Knight. Various colors of (optional) "flashes" can be inserted behind the pin to indicate past offices held.
Flashes (Optional)
The contributions of every Brother Knight at every Degree level are appreciated. Still, there are some men who continue to answer the call to higher and higher levels of leadership within the Order. To recognize these current and past officers of the Fourth Degree, symbolic "flashes" can be added behind the metal pin of the beret. The should be work with the square edges at the top and the rounded section at the bottom. The purple and green "flashes" of the Assembly Color Corp Commander and the District Marshal are temporary for the duration of the appointment. Faithful Navigators, District Masters, Vice Supreme Masters, and the Supreme Master may continue to wear the color of their highest ranking flash for life -- assuming that no further superseding rank is attained.
Shirt
Beneath the jacket, Sir Knights should wear a white, button-up-the-front dress shirt. The Order makes no specific recommendation on the brand or retailer for this item. There are, however, four stipulations to the the dress shirt that must be followed to include it in the uniform (1) It must be white. (2) It must be long-sleeved. (3) It must NOT have a button-down collar. (4) It should NOT have French cuffs. Assuming that the Sir Knight owns a dress shirt conforming to these standards, it is permissible for use in the uniform.
Pin
The appropriate lapel pin for the Fourth Degree Uniform is the emblem of the Fourth Degree. In the past, various pins were permissible for the Honor Guard. The most popular was a combination of the American Flag and the emblem of the Fourth Degree. Today, the more subtle, emblem of the Fourth Degree pin received at the Sir Knight's exemplification is the standard.
Trousers
The uniform trousers are a dark gray and made of fine wool. While it may be tempting to substitute one's own gray trousers instead, it will be very obvious if an Honor Guard has 10 different varieties of trouser colors.
Scabbard
Connected to the Service Baldric is the Scabbard. The Scabbard holds the sword and is an intricately detailed work of craftsmanship. Hidden throughout the Scabbard are the emblem of the Order and the emblem of the Fourth Degree. A small key-hole-shaped clip connects to the "frog" of the Service Baldric and allows the sword and Scabbard to hang at the Sir Knight's hip. Sir Knights owning a sword and scabbard from the old regalia should continue using it.
Sword
The Sword. Perhaps the most intriguing and prestigious part of the Fourth Degree uniform is the privilege to carry the Sword. For many Sir Knights, the Sword is a family heirloom passed-down over generations. For others, it is a new tradition started with them. Whether a gift, or a personal acquisition, the Sword symbolizes one's Knighthood. It is important to understand that there are subtle differences between the Swords one may see within an Honor Guard and to follow the etiquette that they represent when purchasing a Sword for one's self. For most Sir Knights, the silver Sword with the black handle will be the Sword they carry for their lifetime. Fewer men will have the honor to carry the silver Sword with the white handle -- denoting their service as a Faithful Navigator. Fewer still will earn the right to carry the gold Sword with the white handle -- the mark of the District Master.
Overcoat (Optional)
Wool navy colored overcoat with brass buttons.
Shoes
Black leather Oxford style dress shoes or similar.
Blazer
The navy uniform blazer is the most notable component of the uniform. The blazer includes an embroidered emblem of the Fourth Degree below the pocket. The formality of the blazer makes it a versatile component of the uniform. While it can be worn with the beret, service baldric, and sword in the Honor Guard, it is also a practical way to participate in formal K of C events even when not paired with the service attire.
Tie
While there are many attractive Knights of Columbus ties available on the internet, there is only one official uniform tie. The tie presents golden emblems of the Fourth Degree on a navy blue field.
Gloves
One of the easiest components of the uniform to overlook, but one of the most conspicuous if they are missing, are the white gloves.
Baldric
To carry a sword with the uniform and participate in the Honor Guard or Color Corps of the Fourth Degree, ownership of a Service Baldric is essential. The Social Baldric received upon completion of one's Fourth Degree exemplification is not sufficient. The Social Baldric is meant to be worn under a jacket, whereas, the Service Baldric is meant to be worn over the jacket from right shoulder to left hip. The colors of the Service Baldric are those of the country of the Assembly. For Assembly #1992, that is the Red, White, and Blue of the United States of America. Most importantly, the Service Baldric contains a metal cross at the bottom including the initials of the watchword of the order: TFMM (Tempus fugit. Memento mori — “Time flies. Remember death”). This metal insignia, called the "frog" is the clip that attaches the scabbard of the sword to the Service Baldric. Sir Knights who have one from the old regalia may still use their original Service Baldric as it has not changed.