Preheat oven to 450° F. In a medium bowl stir flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda.
With a pastry blender cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk. Place on a lightly floured surface; knead three to four times and roll or pat to 1/2 - to 3/4 -inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2 -inch biscuit cutter dipped in flour. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.