Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized bits.

Stir in buttermilk and honey (if using) just until a shaggy dough forms, about 30 seconds.

Turn dough onto floured surface, shape into a 7-inch round about 1½ inches thick. Transfer to prepared sheet and slash a deep X across the top.

Bake 35-40 minutes until deeply golden and a toothpick comes out clean, or internal temp reaches 200°F (93°C). Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then on rack at least 10 minutes. Slice and serve warm.