  Step patterns on vicinal $(2\times1)$ reconstructed surfaces of noble metals
Au(110) and Pt(110), miscut towards the (100) orientation, are investigated.
The free energy of the reconstructed surface with a network of crossing
opposite steps is calculated in the strong chirality regime when the steps
cannot make overhangs. It is explained why the steps are not perpendicular to
the direction of the miscut but form in equilibrium a network of crossing steps
which make the surface to look like a fish skin. The network formation is the
consequence of competition between the -- predominantly elastic -- energy loss
and entropy gain. It is in agreement with recent scanning-tunnelling-microscopy
observations on vicinal Au(110) and Pt(110) surfaces.
